“Safety doesn’t happen by accident.“
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THE recent tragedy, claiming the lives of five paddlers after their boat capsized on the Sarawak River during training for this weekend’s Sarawak Regatta, serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in water sports.
In response, Deputy Minister of Transport (River and Sea), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, has called for stricter safety measures to prevent such accidents from happening again.
He recommended that every team prioritise the safety of their members by ensuring a support boat accompanies them during training.
Additionally, he stressed that all participants must know how to swim.
Regatta teams were also required to submit their training schedules to the Sarawak Rivers Board (LSS) for monitoring and coordination.
The swimming requirement is crucial. While it may seem obvious that anyone competing in a water sport should know how to swim, this basic rule has not always been enforced strictly.
Ensuring that all paddlers have basic swimming skills is not just a safety precaution — it’s common sense. In water sports, swimming ability is as essential as knowing how to paddle.
Similar to how a motorcyclist needs to master riding before competing, a rower must have swimming skills. This requirement must be rigorously maintained.
Sharing training schedules with LSS emphasises the priority of safety.
By controlling boat traffic during practices, the potential for hazardous encounters between smaller rowing boats and larger ships can be reduced.
This oversight ensures that all activities on the river are conducted with greater caution and responsibility.
Jinep also highlighted that while life jackets are essential, many paddlers do not wear them during training because they can hinder movement and make breathing difficult under the intense physical strain of rowing, especially in hot weather.
Given this, Jinep’s proposal for a support boat as an additional safety measure should be seriously considered by all stakeholders.
It is a practical and commendable solution, especially when paddlers are not wearing life jackets. Having support boats available ensures a quick response if something goes wrong, potentially saving lives.
These boats would act as lifelines, providing immediate assistance in emergencies and significantly reducing the risk of serious incidents.
In emergencies such as capsizing, a support crew can rapidly deploy life jackets or flotation devices, reducing the risk of drowning before formal rescue efforts arrive.
The fast-flowing Sarawak River, with its tides and currents, can quickly turn a training session into a dangerous situation. Having a support boat nearby is essential for safety.
Overall, Jinep’s proposed measures — support boats, swimming requirements, and stricter training oversight — may seem simple, but they are highly effective.
Implementing these safeguards will better protect our athletes’ lives. As participants, organisers, and spectators, we must remember that the spirit of competition should never come at the expense of safety.
The five paddlers who lost their lives were among 16 members of the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) from the Premier’s Department.
Their boat capsized when a fishing boat from the opposite direction created large waves that swamped and sank their vessel.
Fortunately, 11 other team members were able to swim to safety.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers of underestimating nature. While regattas and boat races may be exhilarating and competitive, they are also inherently risky.
The Sarawak River, though familiar to many, remains a force of nature that must be respected.
The Sarawak Regatta holds great cultural and sporting importance, steeped in a legacy of history and tradition. Originating in 1872, its inception aimed to resolve inter-tribal disputes within the Dayak communities.
Rajah Charles Brooke encouraged local tribes to channel their competitive spirit through boat races, allowing them to showcase their strength and skill without violence.
This event has since evolved into a beloved celebration of Sarawak’s heritage, drawing participation from various communities, government departments, agencies, and private organisations.
These groups come together for friendly competition that honours tradition and unity, embodying the spirit of togetherness and cultural pride that the Sarawak Regatta represents.
As we look forward to the upcoming regatta, set to begin this Friday, all teams must take these safety warnings seriously.
The excitement of competition should never outweigh the importance of life and safety. In sports, as in life, prevention is always better than cure.
This tragedy should inspire the entire regatta community to adopt safer practices, ensuring that we never again mourn the loss of lives in pursuit of victory.
While the Sarawak Regatta celebrates skill, endurance, and tradition, it must also be a celebration of life.
We owe it to the paddlers who lost their lives to ensure that their demise results in meaningful changes to our approach to this cherished event.
Only then can we truly honour their memory and ensure that the Sarawak Regatta remains thrilling and safe for everyone involved.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
