No swimming at Pasir Ris, Sembawang beaches
The National Environment Agency is advising beach goers not to swim at Pasir Ris Beach and Sembawang Park Beach due to elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria which when ingested increases the risk of gastrointestinal infection.
Other primary contact water activities such as wakeboarding, windsurfing and water immersion training are also not advised for the same reason. This is because a person’s whole body or face and trunk are frequently immersed and it is likely that some water will be swallowed.
However, sailing, kayaking and canoeing can continue as normal, said the National Environment Agency on Feb 5.
Signages advising the public against swimming will be put up along Pasir Ris Beach and Sembawang Park Beach. The advisory will be in place until further notice.
The authorities routinely measure the level of Enterococcus, a genus of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals including humans. Epidemiological data suggested correlations between Enterococcus level in recreational water and gastrointestinal illness risk in swimmers.
NEA said Pasir Ris Beach and Sembawang Park Beach waters have been graded “Fair” in the annual beach grading exercise, dropping from “Good” in the previous year. Preliminary investigations showed that the elevated bacteria levels are from inland sources and are not transboundary in nature.
NEA said it is working with other agencies such as national water agency PUB, the National Parks Board and the Singapore Food Agency to investigate and mitigate possible sources contributing to the elevated bacteria levels.
Other beaches including East Coast, Changi, Punggol, Seletar Island Beach and Sentosa have maintained a “Good” grade and are suitable for all water activities.
“However, as there could be occasions when the Enterococcus count in the beach water is elevated, visitors should refer to the Beach Short-term Water Quality Information on the NEA website or the myENV app if they intend to engage in water activities, added NEA.
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