As an environmental scientist, naturalist and scuba diver, I read with interest the recent reports of box jellyfish in Singapore which had prompted the Sentosa Development Corporation and a local marine conservation group to issue advisories on swimming in beaches where these creatures have been sighted.

As this species is known to cause human fatalities, precautions should be stepped up as one life lost would be one too many.

Most importantly, it is also needless as jellyfish nets could be installed as an effective protection, just as it has been done in other countries such as Australia.

It would be good to install protective nets in popular beaches in Singapore where box jellyfish has been sighted.

A good place to start would be the beaches on Sentosa.

As I understand, they are the only ones with double barriers to mark swimming safety limits, lifeguards during weekends, and surveillance to protect against other hazards including tropical salt water crocodiles.

Some of the swimming areas on Sentosa are also in enclosed and fairly shallow lagoons, making the installation of nets more cost effective and easy to maintain.

Given that swimming in the sea has proven scientific benefits, the installation of such safety measures will help tackle the threat of box jellyfish and bring much needed peace of mind for swimmers and beach-goers.

It would also promote more visits to Sentosa and give businesses there a much needed boost.

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