Coastguards seek support to check waterway accidents

The Nigeria Marine Coastguard Volunteer Service, a seaborne para-military humanitarian lifesaving organisation, has called for a partnership with the Lagos State Government to tackle the issues of water accidents, especially drowning.

The group, in a statement on Sunday, said the partnership would help equip them with the necessary tools and logistics to effectively curb drowning in Nigeria.

The Chief Commanding Officer of the NMCGVS, Isaac Adamolekun, explained that the lack of essential equipment and logistical support was hindering their ability to perform their life-saving duties.

“NMCGVS personnel have dedicated themselves to a rigorous six-month professional training programme in conjunction with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“This training includes regimented seaborne rescue swimming, preparing them to undertake national assignments aimed at preventing and responding to drowning incidents across Nigeria. However, despite their commitment and ongoing training, the lack of essential equipment and logistical support is severely hindering their ability to perform their life-saving duties,” he said.

He noted that Lagos and some other states in Nigeria were experiencing significant flooding,

Adamolekun added that the escalating situation heightened the risk of drowning incidents, making it imperative that immediate action be taken to support the NMCGVS in its critical mission.

“The rainy season is upon us, and as witnessed recently, Lagos State and numerous other states in Nigeria are experiencing significant flooding. Historically, 33 out of the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, face severe flooding during the peak of the rainy season,” he said.

Adamolekun appealed to the World Health Organisation, the Economic Community of West African States, and the Lagos State Government to lead by example and partner with them in the cause.

“Together, we can ensure that the risk of drowning, especially during this rainy season, is significantly reduced and that our communities are better protected,” he said.