In a move to curb incessant drowning in swimming pools, holiday resorts, beaches and open rivers, the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) has gone into strategic alliance with a Lagos based company, Global Sports Exclusive Promotions (GSEP), on lifeguard training.
According to Olarenwaju Saidi of Global Sports Exclusive Promotions, the alliance is aiming at creating awareness on safe swimming techniques.
“We are collaborating with the Lagos State government, Lagos State Safety Commission to stage an awareness rally ahead of the training for Lifeguards. We want to ensure that people are trained on how to rescue and save drowning swimmers in all parts of Lagos State.
“This is being organized to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 taking place on July 25th. We are championing this with a rally around every part of Lagos to sensitize the public about safety in swimming pools, beaches and holiday resorts,” Saidi said
He further stated that participants will be trained on basic lifesaving skills certified by the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.They will equally have added value of permit to work as Lifeguards, be registered under a data base, get life assurance and secure improved welfare.
Agencies such as LASWA, LAGFERRY, LASEMA, NEMA, LASMA, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police Force and water related agencies have pledged their support to the cause.