The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has begun a week-long water safety and swimming training programme for schoolchildren in Badagry Local Government Area.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Damilola Emmanuel, said this in a statement made available to the Lagos Times on Tuesday in Lagos.
Emmanuel said the proactive move was to promote water safety and reduce the fear of water among young Lagos residents.
“Now in its fifth edition, the initiative is part of LASWA’s ongoing advocacy campaign known as the “Lagos Water Savvy Kids Program.”
“The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and the Dolphin Swim School, a premier swimming institution, focused on empowering women and children with essential aquatic skills.
“The training is designed to provide pupils with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in water safety, swimming techniques, and basic emergency survival skills,” he said.
Emmanuel added that through the initiative, LASWA aimed to instill water confidence in young learners, particularly those who regularly commute via Lagos’ inland waterways.
“A total of 50 pupils from five public schools in Badagry have been selected to participate in this year’s programme.
“The participating schools were carefully chosen to reflect communities where waterway transportation is a regular part of daily life,” he said.
He noted that as Lagos continued to embrace water transport, it was essential that the young commuters are not only familiar with the waterways environment but are also equipped to handle emergency situations.
He said LASWA was working towards a safer, more confident generation of waterway users who are safety -conscious, self-reliant, and well-prepared for any challenges they may encounter on the water with the initiative.
“The training which commenced on Oct. 20, is expected to end on Friday, Oct. 24,” he said.
