The Lagos State Waterways Authority has commenced 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, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

Emmanuel said the initiative aims 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,” he said.

According to him, the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and the Dolphin Swim School — a leading swimming institution focused on empowering women and children with essential aquatic skills.

He explained that the training combines both theoretical and practical sessions on swimming techniques, water safety, and basic emergency survival skills.

“A total of 50 pupils from five public schools in Badagry have been selected to participate in this year’s programme. The schools were chosen from communities where waterway transportation is part of daily life,” Emmanuel added.

He noted that as Lagos continues to expand its water transport system, it is vital for young commuters to be familiar with waterways and adequately prepared for emergencies.

Emmanuel said LASWA’s goal is to build a generation of safety-conscious and confident waterway users who can handle challenges on the water.

The training, which began on October 20, is scheduled to end on Friday, October 24.

Media recalls that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had earlier urged Nigerians to acquire essential survival skills such as swimming, driving, and martial arts.

Musa stressed that swimming should be considered a basic life skill, comparable to self-defence training, noting that in many European countries, swimming is compulsory for all citizens.

“Learning combat skills should be seen as a survival instinct just like swimming or driving,” he said, underscoring the importance of such training in promoting safety and preparedness among Nigerians.