Stingray sightings are a common occurrence in the waters around Singapore and they are known to be docile unless disturbed, said experts who were responding to reports of two recent incidents involving the creatures off Sentosa beaches. A SDC spokesman on Mon confirmed that its beach patrol officers responded with first-aid assistance to two beachgoers who reported marine stings on Mar 28. SDC, which said its beach patrol officers conduct regular surveillance of the island’s beaches and waters, urged the public to be vigilant and take precautions when swimming in the sea, since stingrays are common in Singapore. Mr Ryan Lee, group director of the National Biodiversity Centre at NParks, said that NParks is also aware of the incidents. He added that stingrays are commonly found in Singapore’s shallow coastal waters and can be difficult to spot when buried under sediment. Those who wade in coastal waters should be aware of their surroundings, he said. Dr Tan Heok Hui, an ichthyologist at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, said that stingrays use their barbed stings for defensive purposes.... Continue Reading