Swimming at the beach can be tricky. Every beach has its own unique profile and hazards that you may need to look out for. Therefore, in order to have a hassle free and fabulous time at the beach, we have compiled some beach safety information. We hope that this helps you to be more aware of the possible dangers out at sea as well as how to avoid them.

As jellyfish have reportedly been sighted at our waters, guests are advised to be alert when swimming at our beaches. For your safety, please do not attempt to touch jellyfish if you see any, and alert other beach-goers and Sentosa’s on-ground Beach Patrol Officers (BPO) to its location. If stung, please do not rub the affected area nor use fingers to remove the tentacles. Please contact our on-ground BPOs for first-aid assistance or call 1800 RANGERS (1800 726 4377).

Please kindly note that our Beach Patrol Officers (lifeguards) are on duty at these timings:

Palawan & Siloso Beach: 9am-7pm (Mon-Sun, including public holidays)
Tanjong Beach: 9am-7pm (Sat-Sun, and public holidays)

The safety and wellbeing of our guests are of paramount importance to us. We would like to assure guests that our BPOs are conducting regular surveillance of our beaches and waters.

Click here for more information on what to do when you encounter box jellyfish.

General Swimming Safety Tips

Always swim between the Red and Yellow (swim here) flags, where the area is closely supervised by our Beach Patrol Officers.
Never swim under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
Children are to be supervised by an adult at all times.
Always swim with a Buddy.
Swimming after 7pm are strongly discouraged.

Hazards Drop-off Point Most people who need rescuing at the beach have been caught off guard at the drop-off point.
Due to the underwater current and tidal changes, the bottom of the seabed moves and changes. These constant movements of the sand create a drop-off point.

Protect Yourself

Always swim between the Red and Yellow flags. The red and yellow flags symbolize an area that is recommended for swimming. Furthermore, our Beach Patrol Officers will be looking out for your safety here.
If caught at the drop off point, don’t panic. Lunge towards shore. In most cases, you are only a step away from safety. Or else, raise your hand up and shout for help to attract attention.
If someone else is in trouble, throw a lifebuoy that you can find along the beaches and alert the Beach Patrol Officers.

Hazard: Strong tidal currents

Tidal currents are especially strong during spring tides which occurs during a full moon or a new moon. These tides are amplified in water channels between islands due to the funnelling effect. Areas which are susceptible to strong currents include the waters off and around Sentosa Island, especially in the Buran Channel, and just beyond the islets at Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beaches.

Swim at designated Red and Yellow flag area
Wear a life vest or suitable personal floatation device, where applicable
Know what to do in an emergency
Act responsibly to ensure your own safety and the safety of the persons under your care
Avoid fixed/anchored obstacles to minimise the risk of being trapped at these locations

Rocks The rock bunds are very beautiful man-made creations to look at. However, they are only nice to see but not to touch. Sharp barnacles, algae and seashells grow on the rocks, which may cause you to slip or get injured when you climb onto them.
The rock bund areas are where marine creatures build their homes too. Therefore, to avoid being stung by poisonous marine creatures, do not swim near the rock areas. Protect Yourself

Swim at designated Red and Yellow flag area
Read and obey safety signs
Enter the water slowly and shuffle your feet in front of you. This gives the marine creatures time to move away

Marine Creatures Sentosa is home to several marine creatures. They are all a part of the natural eco system that beautifies the underwater world. However, several of these may be dangerous. The most common of these dangerous creatures are the jellyfish and stonefish.
Jellyfish Jellyfish are bell-shaped sea creatures and can be transparent or partially transparent. They have long tentacles and if the jellyfish's tentacles brush against your skin, it will release poison or venom. Protect Yourself

If you spot them in the water, stay clear
Immediately inform any Beach Patrol Officers
Do not touch or pick up any jellyfish washed up onto shore. They may still sting you.

Signs and Symptoms of Sting

Burning sensation, followed by appearance of a red welt on skin
Varying from case to case, some victims may experience non-localized allergic reactions, such as difficulty in breathing and itching

First Aid if Stung

Avoid touching the wound
Alert any Beach Patrol Officers immediately
Rinse with seawater; avoid fresh water
Pour vinegar on area stung
The Beach Patrol Officers will perform basic first aid procedures and recommend further medical attention if needed.

Stonefish The stonefish looks like a stone or a rock. They have 13 spikes on their back that releases poison if you step on it. Protect Yourself

When wading in shallow water or at low tide, shuffle one foot in front of the other to disturb the sand or shoreline. This gives the stonefish time to move away.
Stay away from the rock bunds
Do not touch or pick up objects that resemble a stone
Immediately inform any Beach Patrol Officers if you think you have spotted one

Signs and Symptoms of Sting

Immediate pain and swelling with blue and black punctured wound
Other possible symptoms: muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, numbness etc.
Severity of symptoms varies from case to case

First Aid if Stung

Alert any Beach Patrol Officers immediately
Do not attempt to restrict blood circulation around the wound
The Beach Patrol Officers will perform basic first aid procedures and recommend further medical attention if needed.

Head to MPA for Kayaking Safety Guidelines

Tar balls are remnants of oil that form when refined oil products spill into the ocean and weather over time. Despite the extensive beach clean-up efforts, tar balls can persist in the marine environment. Should you encounter tar balls while on the beach, do approach our Beach Patrol Officers stationed at the lifeguard towers or call 1800-RANGERS (7264377) for assistance.