MOE Suspends All High-Element Outdoor Activities After a Fatal Incident Involving a 15YO

Students in Singapore aren’t strangers to high-element outdoor activities, what with the Secondary 3 camps (is it still secondary three?) with its adventure zones.

Adrenaline-filled, tall obstacles just waiting for students to tackle with all the necessary safety measures, of course.

However, sometimes, accidents happen.

And one happened just yesterday (4 Feb).

Fatal Incident At SAFRA Yishun

On 3 Feb 2021, a 15-year-old student was involved in a fatal incident at a camp programme in SAFRA Yishun.

He had reportedly lost his footing while participating in a “high-element course at SAFRA Yishun” on Wednesday.

He was “suspended by the safety harness” but lost consciousness when he was lowered to the ground.

The Singapore Police Force said they received a call for assistance at about 2pm while the SCDF was alerted at 1.50pm.

When officers arrived on the scene, the boy was unresponsive.

SCDF responders immediately performed CPR and applied an automated external defibrillator (AED).

He was conveyed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in an unconscious state and died on Thursday, 4 Feb 2021.

Police investigations are ongoing, the police added, and preliminary investigations suggest that no foul play was involved.

Outdoor Activities With High Elements Halted Immediately

On 4 Feb 2021, it was reported that all outdoor activities with high elements will be suspended immediately.

In a joint statement from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), they said that they are cooperating with the police and relevant parties to investigate the incident.

It was emphasised that the safety of students have always been a priority.

They are “greatly saddened” by the death of the student and is offering their “fullest support” to the family, as well, as his classmates and teachers.

SAFRA Yishun’s Response

In response to the incident, SAFRA Yishun has suspended all activities in its adventure sports centre while investigations are ongoing.

It was added that the student was part of an ACS (Independent) camp programme held at their premises.

ACS (Independent) had contracted Camelot, an accredited vendor, to run the programme for its student, SAFRA says in its statement.

In a statement, Camelot said that they are working with MOE and ACS (Independent) to provide support to the family.

It was added that they have been providing their “fullest cooperation and assistance” to the authorities in this matter and will continue to do so.

The halt on outdoor activities with high elements will be in effect until the completion of investigations.

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