Haze Updates: What to Expect for SoS Outdoor Programmes
Haze conditions can change throughout the day. At School of Swimology (SoS), we monitor air quality and venue advisories to decide whether our outdoor programmes should proceed, be adjusted or be suspended.
This approach applies to all SoS programmes conducted outdoors, including swimming lessons, aqua fitness and other outdoor aquatic activities.
How we make decisions
Our approach follows Sport Singapore’s haze guidance and NEA health advisories. We use:
24-hour PSI readings and forecasts to plan ahead.
1-hour PM2.5 readings for the relevant region to assess conditions closer to the session.
Venue instructions and participant needs, including age, health conditions and the intensity of the activity.
PSI and PM2.5 are different measurements and have different thresholds.
We use two communication phases to help participants and parents know what to expect.
Phase 1: Monitoring and updates as needed
Phase 1 generally applies when the 24-hour PSI remains at 200 or below, and haze conditions are intermittent or localised.
During this phase, we monitor conditions and review individual sessions as needed. We will contact affected participants if a session needs to be changed or cancelled.
Sessions may be adjusted according to conditions (e.g. by reducing exertion, allowing more rest or shortening outdoor exposure).
There will not be a fixed twice-daily update during Phase 1.
Phase 2: Twice-daily programme updates
We move to Phase 2 when the 24-hour PSI rises above 200 across multiple regions, or when forecasts indicate more widespread or persistent deterioration. We may activate this phase earlier where conditions warrant.
During Phase 2, we publish two scheduled updates each day on our WhatsApp Insider Channel:
An evening update covering the following day’s morning sessions.
A morning update covering that day’s afternoon and evening sessions.
Each update will identify any affected programmes, locations or time slots and explain whether sessions will be adjusted or be cancelled.
These updates help everyone plan ahead. We continue monitoring between updates, and may issue further changes if air quality worsens or a venue announces a closure.
When will outdoor sessions be suspended?
Outdoor sessions will be suspended when required by venue closures or official directions.
As an additional SoS precaution, we will suspend outdoor sessions when the relevant region’s 1-hour PM2.5 reading exceeds 150 µg/m³. Outdoor sessions will also be suspended when the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200.
We may adjust or suspend a session earlier based on worsening conditions, participant vulnerability or the activity involved. Readings below these suspension thresholds do not automatically mean every activity is suitable for every participant.
Where to check for updates
Our SoS Insider Channel is the central place to check programme updates during haze periods.
We will send direct notifications to participants whose sessions are affected. We do not routinely send individual messages confirming that an unaffected session is proceeding.
If you have not received a notification that your session is affected, please assume it will proceed as scheduled, subject to any later update. During haze periods, check the Haze Policy & Outdoor Programme Updates | SoSWhatsApp Channel before leaving for your session.
Let us know if you have concerns
Children, older adults, pregnant participants and people with heart or lung conditions may need additional precautions.
Please inform us of any relevant health concerns. Anyone feeling unwell should stop exercising and alert the coach.
Thank you for your patience as we manage changing conditions and keep our participants, families and coaches informed.
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