AGM Minutes and Financial Statement

• Update of past year's activities
  
• Review of key issues and updates on the Marina Reservoir
  
• House-keeping matters
  
• Other matters
  
• Review of accounts and passing of accounts/minutes
  

• 62 school programmes reaching out to 2,500 participants
• 7 youth programmes involving 160 participants
• 7 corporate programmes involving 160 participants
• 7 school assembly talks with a total audience of 4,600 participants
• 4 camps conducted for "Help Singapore", MINDS, St Hilda's Primary and St. Nicholas Girls Primary, with a total participation of 120 students
• 2 Co-Curricular Activities' (CCA) tie ups for 80 students from Anglican High's Boys' Brigade and Singapore Polytechnic's Rover Scouts
• 14 safety boat contracts (e.g. Waterfest, Fireworks Highlights, "Dunk It" for NDP, Asian Contender, HSBC Women's Champion Golf event)
• 6 carnivals and exhibitions
• New initiatives introduced for members - Parkwatch programme with NParks and Inline Skate Training

• Learning Journey for schools
  • More schools are encouraged to sign up for environmental learning journeys, and this will also soon include trips to the Marina Barrage.
  • The Marina Barrage Exhibition Centre would be good grounds for an on-site learning experience for many. WWS is looking to co-organize such events with schools, to further enhance their environmental acumen.
  • WWS's main purpose of spearheading such initiatives is to spread the message of environmental sustainability and awareness to the public.
• Water Rangers
  • In conjunction with authorities like NParks, the Public Utilities Board and the Singapore Police Force, WWS will be looking towards training a group of volunteers to take on the role of Water Rangers.
  • Water Rangers will be trained in various areas, including leading guided tours during our events, and the empowerment to engage the public in pro-active actions.
  • Members who have indicated interest will be contacted soon to firm out on training schedules for the above role.
  • Volunteers will be trained in batches, and WWS looks forward to the time when all members can be trained Water Rangers.
• Construction sites along the Marina
  • Members are reminded to be cautious of the heavy construction and renovations going on around the banks and in the Marina.
  • There has been some diving activities at certain points in the Marina as well. Boat drivers are to take note of the flags put up to avoid any incidences.
  • Signs, maps and notices of all renovation and construction will be judiciously updated on the notice-boards at the WWS office.
  • Members, especially team leaders, are expected to check the board for notices before each patrol duty.

• Vice-Chairman Ping Ping presented the financials for the period April 2007 to March 2008. It was noted that more sourcing of funds and sponsorships will have to be looked into, due to PUB providing less support and funds in the coming years.
• WWS will be looking at putting a nominal charge to events, where applicable, to help subsidize the costs of operation.

• Eugene reminded that all members should help to maintain the cleanliness of WWS premises - ensure that it is left in pristine condition like when everyone first came, to make certain that the premises are locked up.
• After each tour of duty, all equipment are to be cleaned and returned to their original storage places.
• If there are any incidences or accidents during patrol, they are to be reported in the patrol duty form, and any damaged equipment or lack of supplies are to be highlighted.
• Team leaders are to remember to complete the boat/bicycle reports and leave them in the Admin office after each tour of duty. Critical observations made and follow-up actions required should be duly noted down, so the next patrol team can take note. The relevant authorities are to be contacted immediately should anything unusual and suspicious be spotted during duty. All essential contact numbers are available in the forms.
• Any photographs taken during patrol should be downloaded onto the main computer at WWS, and labeled accordingly by the date and mode of patrol. The photos should be deleted from the camera after that.
• Eugene also encouraged all members to respond promptly to emails or telephone text messages to facilitate planning of events and to inform immediately if unable to turn up for rostered duty/event. Anyone who is able to assist during the weekdays can contact Annie as much help is needed for the school events.
• Drivers please remember: No speeding in the Marina and always give way to non-motorised vessels. Bikers please be alert, travel single file and give way to others where necessary.

• Eugene gave an overview of the upcoming Asian Water Symposium to be held from 18-19 June 2009, and made an appeal for volunteers and helpers for this event. It is the first time WWS is heavily involved in the planning, and we aim to organize such symposiums on a biennial basis going forward.
• The 'Green Badge' for uniformed groups attached to WWS has been finalized. Students who complete their stint with WWS will be awarded the Green Badge and would be a rewarding achievement.
• Every year, our Prime Minister would select several non-profit organizations to contribute some funds to. This year, WWS has been fortunate to be selected as a recipient of funds from the Prime Minister's Office. This would be a form of recognition that all members should be proud of.