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September 22, 2023
In response to reports of alleged misconduct, Singapore Aquatics is rolling out a series of initiatives on the issue to promote a safe sporting environment. The “Hands Up For Safe Aquatics” campaign is focused on increasing awareness and knowledge about the issue, as well as upskilling coaches on safeguarding.
More Singaporeans are taking up swimming, with the sport among the top five that people engage in nationally. However, in recent years, there have been many criminal cases involving physical and verbal abuse of children and young people in a swimming and aquatic environment. Last year, a swimming coach was convicted of sexually abusing a student for four years, and in 2020, a man was convicted of sexually abusing a child at a public swimming complex after his lesson.
The national governing body intends to promote a safe environment, raise awareness of the types of abuse and harassment that may take place and educate the community about the importance of safe sport. Launched by Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth as well as Social and Family Development, and Singapore Aquatics president Mark Chay, the campaign is also holding a series of educational workshops and courses for athletes, coaches and administrators.
Coaches who wish to take or renew their certification (valid for three years) will now have to take a mandatory course on safe sport and safeguarding measures. This includes coaches who practice in public swimming complexes, clubs and public schools. The course – abiding by the Safe Sport Unified Code – will include teachings on how to communicate in a non-abusive and appropriate manner and how to keep the pool and sporting environment safe.
National athletes have voiced their support of the campaign, including water polo player, Mounisha Devi Manivannan, swimmer Ardi Zulhilmi Azman, artistic swimmer Vivien Tai, diver Max Lee and para swimmer Yip Pin Xiu. “Safe sport should be cultivated from young so that athletes, parents and coaches know what appropriate behaviour is and what is not,” said Tai. She also explained that it’s helpful for the program to provide a framework for what makes a safe and productive training environment in Singapore since many coaches come from different countries with varying backgrounds and cultures.
“It’s important for everyone to understand that abuse and neglect do not just come physically, as athletes also need a nurturing environment free from other forms of abuse to thrive and enjoy their sport. This environment should be provided to athletes from young, so they understand what kind of behavior is appropriate and what is not,” she continued.
National coaches have also backed the campaign, including former national swimmer and founder of Aquatic Performance Swim Club Ang Peng Siong and Garett Lee, head coach of Sentosa Swim Coaching. “The issue of athletes having to deal with both physical and psychological abuse is a problem. It’s not just sexual abuse, but even issues like publicly shaming an athlete because of how they look can have a lasting negative effect on a young person,” said Lee.
Safe Aquatics is a national movement to raise awareness of the forms of abuse and harassment which may take place in a sporting environment. It is part of the Safe Sport Programme administered by the Safe Sport Commission of Singapore.
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