The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched a week-long water safety and swimming training for schoolchildren in Badagry Local Government Area.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos. He said the initiative, now in its fifth edition, is part of LASWA’s Lagos Water Savvy Kids Programme aimed at promoting water safety and reducing the fear of water among young residents.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and the Dolphin Swim School — an institution dedicated to teaching aquatic skills, especially to women and children.
Emmanuel explained that the training combines theoretical and practical sessions on swimming techniques, water safety, and emergency survival skills.
A total of 50 pupils from five public schools in Badagry were selected for this year’s edition, chosen from communities where water transport is part of daily life.
He noted that as Lagos expands its water transport system, it is important for young commuters to be familiar with waterways and prepared for emergencies.
According to Emmanuel, LASWA’s goal is to build a generation of safety-conscious and confident waterway users.
The training, which began on October 20, will end on Friday, October 24.
In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had earlier advised Nigerians to acquire essential survival skills like swimming, driving, and martial arts, describing swimming as a vital life skill comparable to self-defence.
—NAN
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.