PEOPLE

SWIM & DIVE WITH FROGMAN 2WO SIA YEW BOON

03 Apr 2020

Naval diver and SAFSA swimmer 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) Sia Yew Boon is 45, but he shows no sign of slowing down.

//STORY BY CHIA CHONG JIN

//PHOTOS BY ONG JI XUAN

//VIDEO BY PETER CHO

The swimming pool is 2WO Sia's second home. The Project Warrant Officer from the Naval Diving Unit (NDU) excels in all events - from the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle to the 50m backstroke and 200m individual medley.

2WO Sia has been in the competitive swim scene for more than 30 years.

2WO Sia began swimming competitively when he was 12. Along the way, he got to know some members of the SAFSA swim team. Seeing his talent, they eventually roped him into the team.

2WO Sia (front row, third from right) with the SAFSA swim team at last year’s Public Service Swimming Meet, after they successfully defended the overall Championship Trophy.

His prowess in the water naturally came in handy in his former role as an NDU diving instructor.

"Being conversant in swimming has allowed me to provide better training for my trainees, in terms of water confidence and swimming skills," explained the Assistant Team Manager of the SAFSA swim team.

2WO Sia (right) receiving the Best Performance for Men’s Senior category award at last year’s Public Service Swimming Meet.

Watch the video below, where he talks about how he got into the sport and shares tips on swimming competitively:

In case you can't watch the video, here are the tips that 2WO Sia mentioned:

1. You must have passion for swimming, to be in the competitive scene. The commitment level and training standards are vastly different compared to leisure swimming, so take on the challenge only if you're sure you have the heart for the sport.

2. Just practising in the pool is not enough to become a good swimmer. Complement swimming practice with running to build up your stamina, or head to the gym to work on different areas of your body, especially your core muscles.

Tags:

Sports and fitness Swimming SAFSA Exercise Republic of Singapore Navy Naval Diving Unit NDU 2020-ppl

Got a great story to share?
Send it our way — we might feature it!

Share Your Story

ALSO READ IN PEOPLE

She’s a sharp shooter

24 Oct 2026

Deadly aim is only a part of what it takes to become Singapore’s first female sniper. We speak to the woman behind the rifle, MSG Chin Shi Lee, about her journey in the SAF.

A major step for military doctors

23 Oct 2026

From undergoing emergency medicine training to planning joint operations, MAJ (Dr) Ivan Low now makes history as the Top Graduate of the inaugural Command and Staff Course (Medical).

More than just a duty

19 Oct 2026

From tracking potential aerial threats to supporting NDP 2026, 3SG Muhammad Syazwan’s NS journey has taught him that every contribution matters.

A sisterhood of support

15 Oct 2026

What began as a two-week exercise turned into a decade-long friendship between MAJ Thng Lizhen and MAJ (U) Noraqidah Efinddi, who are growing together as female commanders.