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  Channel NewsAsia 10 May 07
New centre at Lower Seletar Reservoir for water sports

SINGAPORE : A new water sports centre will open on Sunday, especially for those living in the northern and central parts of Singapore.

Located at Lower Seletar Reservoir, the People's Association's Water-Venture centre is the third such facility in the heartlands, after Bedok Reservoir and Jurong Lake.

Lower Seletar Reservoir has already won many fans for its peaceful and quiet surroundings. Soon, the more adventurous among them can gather there for water activities.

The People's Association's latest Water-Venture facility wants more Singaporeans to take up their paddles to a healthier life, and stronger community. So it is bringing water sports to the heartlands and will be working closely with grassroots organisations and schools to get more people to take to the water.

The centre says safety is a big concern so its courses include basic training in self-rescue, and basic tidal and water current patterns.

James Teo, Trainer, Water-Venture Section, People's Association, says: "I remember once at Jurong Water-Venture, when I was teaching classes, the storm came. So PUB quickly called up the centre, so the staff got the information. They quickly activated and got the paddlers out of the water. After the storm is over, they called back and told them it's safe, the water now is ready for them to go paddling".

Paddlers will also be asked to leave when water is being drained out of the reservoir, which causes strong pulls and can thus be dangerous.

But PA assures that the necessary measures are in place, especially as the centre prepares for its launch on Sunday when the reservoir will be turned into a carnival with activities that include a dragon boat race. - AFP/ch

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