Surf Boarders10

Rowdy surf-boarders at East Coast Park beach spoil the fun
Letter from Ms Lin Loo Nee

How many people know that a family outing at the East Coast Park beach is no longer safe?

It is the school holidays. My family was there last Sunday. The beach was packed with families. Little children and toddlers were building sand castles at the beach near McDonald's.

Three youngsters were surf-boarding. We were at one corner building sand castles with my son.

After about half an hour, the group of fun-loving surf-boarders grew to about eight or nine members. Can you imagine them dashing about, throwing the surf-boards and gliding along the beach a metre away from my child? I was worried sick. The parents had to keep a watchful eye on the group to protect their children.

Some of them left the beach. My husband told the youngsters not to do their thing on a crowed beach, but they turned a deaf ear and continued with their fun.

I do not discourage such sports but would appeal to the National Parks Board to have a designated area for the surf-boarders.

Besides, there was no lifeguard on duty. Are there any plans to have lifeguards at East Coast Park beach, especially during the weekend? Beaches in the renowned Gold Coast area in Australia have lifeguards in crowded spots.

There was a report of a drowning at the beach this week. I hope the authorities can do something to improve safety.