Lagos State Safety Commission has hosted an awareness programme to curb drowning incidents in the state.
The event, organised at the weekend by the commission, drew a diverse audience including students, boat owners, marine engineers, boat operators, fishermen, politicians, community leaders, religious figures, market traders, civil servants and members of the public.
At the event, the director-general of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, stated that the programme aligns with the objectives of World Drowning Prevention Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2021 and observed annually on July 25.
He emphasised the urgent need for collective action to tackle the global drowning crisis.
Quoting data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mojola revealed that over 236,000 lives are lost to drowning annually, with 82,000 of the victims being children aged between one and 14 years.
He noted that drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide, accounting for about seven per cent of such fatalities.
“The statistics are alarming and call for urgent and continuous sensitisation. We must equip Lagosians with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent drowning, especially in communities located near water bodies,” Mojola said.
He added that Lagos has made significant progress with the enactment of the 2021 Safety Commission Law and accompanying regulations on swimming pool safety, which have since been implemented. As part of continued efforts.
Mojola assured that the forthcoming launch of the “Community Safety Lifeguard Initiative” will train community members and students on lifesaving techniques and water safety protocols.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Agencies, Hon. Olugbenga Oyerinde, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Sesan Tunde Ogundeko, affirmed the government’s commitment to making Lagos a zero-drowning zone.
“Anyone can drown, but no one should drown in Lagos,” Oyerinde declared.
He called for the inclusion of compulsory swimming lessons in the state’s primary and secondary schools curriculum, stressing the importance of early education in water safety.
He further recommended the installation of awareness billboards and the provision of life jackets in high-risk areas.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Olawale Age-Sulaimon, urged residents to be cautious around water, especially those without swimming abilities.
“Those who cannot swim should avoid water activities without proper training or protective gear,” Age-Sulaimon warned. “We must all prioritise learning how to swim and adhere to safety guidelines,” he said.
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