MetaSprint Series Aquathlon Confirms New Date After Crocodile Sighting Halts Sentosa Water Activities
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- 18 hours ago
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Organisers Metasport confirm new race date following suspension of swimming and kayaking at Sentosa beaches over the weekend
SINGAPORE, 3 February 2026 — The MetaSprint Series Aquathlon has been rescheduled from 1 February to the afternoon of Sunday, 8 February 2026, following the suspension of water activities at Sentosa beaches after a crocodile was sighted off Sentosa Cove over the weekend.
Organisers confirmed the postponement after Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) halted swimming and other water-based activities at Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches as a precautionary measure. The decision was made in consultation with authorities amid search and surveillance operations for the animal.
The incident triggered the postponement of Metasport's highly anticipated season opening Aquathlon event over the weekend, which was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, 1 February. Working closely with the authorities, the MetaSport team acknowledged the disruption and has confirmed the new race date swiftly after 48 hours. In a statement to its participants, an instagram story read:
“Thank you again for your patience and understanding following the unexpected postponement of last Sunday's event. We know many of you had adjusted your schedules and were eager to race. We truly appreciate your flexibility,” the statement read.
“We're pleased to share the new date for the MetaSprint Series Aquathlon: Sunday, 8 February 2026. This date has been set in consultation with Sentosa Development Corporation and aligns with anticipating reopening of water activities (subject to green light from relevant authorities).”
To optimise tidal conditions and ensure athlete safety, organisers also confirmed that the rescheduled race will be held in the afternoon, with the first wave starting at 1:00pm.
“To ensure the best possible high tide and safe water conditions, the event will be held as an afternoon with the first wave starting at 1:00pm. Please refer to the Athletes' Guide for the full event schedule, wave timings, and key race-day information,” the statement added.
The MetaSport team also announced complimentary admission to Sentosa for participants, with further details to be shared ahead of race day.
“We know many of you have been training hard, and we can't wait to welcome you back to the start line. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the MetaSprint Series,” the organisers said, adding that participants with queries can contact sprintseries@metasport.com.
Crocodile Sighting Prompts Safety Measures
Water activities at Sentosa’s main beaches were suspended after a crocodile was spotted off Sentosa Cove at approximately 6.25pm on Saturday, 31 January.
Sentosa Development Corporation confirmed the sighting, noting that it is the first reported crocodile sighting in waters surrounding Sentosa to date.
Following the report, SDC and the National Parks Board (NParks) activated a joint search and surveillance operation. As a precaution, swimming, kayaking and other water-based activities have been halted at Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches, although the beaches themselves remain open to the public.
Authorities said Sentosa’s proximity to natural waterways means that occasional wildlife sightings may occur, though such incidents are rare. Patrols and monitoring have since been stepped up, with safety signage installed across beachfront areas.
Separately, the Singapore Land Authority has advised the public to avoid water activities at nearby islands including St John’s, Seringat, Lazarus and Kusu until further notice.
Images and videos of the crocodile circulated widely on social media over the weekend, drawing crowds to the shoreline. Lifeguards were seen instructing beachgoers to stay out of the water as safety measures were enforced.
Focus on Safety as Athletes Prepare for 8 February
With athlete safety remaining the top priority, MetaSprint organisers said the rescheduled date was selected to align with the anticipated reopening of water activities, subject to approval from relevant authorities.
The MetaSprint Series Aquathlon, a popular fixture on Singapore’s endurance sports calendar, is expected to proceed on 8 February provided conditions are deemed safe.
Organisers reiterated their commitment to delivering a safe and well-run event, while thanking athletes for their patience following the unexpected disruption. #MetaSprintSeries #Aquathlon