Since the beginning of 2024, over 30 individuals have tragically lost their lives. Findings conducted by Within Nigeria reveal that a series of boat mishaps and swimming pool accidents have resulted in the death of more than 30 people nationwide, with most of these accidents recorded in Lagos state.
Recently, an 11-year-old teenager, Iremide Opeifa, reportedly drowned in a swimming pool at the Grand Bank Link Hotels along Idiroko Road in the Sango Ota area of Ogun State. On April 11, another boat mishap involved a popular actor, Junior Pope, and three colleagues. They drowned in the Anambra River on their way back from a movie location in Anambra State.
In the same month, the Police Public Relations Officer for Lagos State, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that no fewer than seven people died within six days due to drowning, labeling their deaths as “avoidable.”
On January 10, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Erastus Awortu, Rivers State, confirmed the death of 11 people involved in a boat accident that occurred on the Andoni-Bonny waterway in Andoni local government area of the state. Three days later, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that five persons had drowned at the Lagos Bar Beach, Lagos, in the last 12 days (January 1-12).
On February 22, it was reported that a Lagos-based prophet, Oriyomi Damilola, drowned during a beach party in the Ajah area of the state to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day. Also, another boat accident was recorded in the same state five days later. Three persons drowned when a passenger boat capsized along Ibeshe-Ikorodu channel
Ways To Prevent Drowning Incidents
The Association of Aquatic Professionals, in its drowning prevention tips discussed that One of the most effective ways to promote water safety awareness is through education, and this can be done through various channels, including signage, pamphlets, and safety talks.
“Signage is a powerful tool to promote water safety awareness. Place signs around the pool area that remind swimmers of safety rules and precautions, such as ‘No Running’, ‘No Diving’, ‘Swim with a Buddy’, and ‘Stay Within Arm’s Reach of Children”. Adding that “these signs should be easily visible and placed strategically, such as near the pool entrance, diving board, and shallow end”.
The association also emphasized that another effective way to promote water safety awareness is through safety talks covering a range of topics, including pool rules, CPR techniques, and emergency procedures. While also advocating for the Swimming lessons.
“Offering swimming lessons to patrons of all ages and skill levels, including children, adults, and seniors can be the foundation of any aquatic program. Swimming lessons not only teach individuals how to swim but also provide them with important water safety skills, such as how to float, tread water, and perform basic rescue techniques. By offering swimming lessons, you can empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in and around the water.”, the association noted.
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