As the world marks the Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2024, the Nigeria Marine Coastguard Volunteer Service (NMCGVS) has solicited N150 million to purchase equipment and other logistics support to urgently and effectively combat drowning in the country.

The seaborne para-military organisation also called for yearly financial and technical support from the Federal and state governments, the European Union, the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Chief of NMCGVS, Captain Isaac Adamolekun, highlighted the urgency of safety measures in areas where individuals are exposed to water such as swimming areas, natural water bodies and flood-prone regions, especially with the rainy season effects witnessed in Lagos and other states.

Speaking to The Guardian, Adamolekun said the coastguards require about N150 million to equip themselves with rugged hull inflatable rescue boats, max rescue floaters, water toys and operational water platforms, first aid boat clinics, and other operational logistics.

He emphasised the need for yearly financial and technical support from local and international organisations for expansion, enabling the NMCGVS to combat drowning across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently predicted that 148 local government areas in 31 states are at high risk of flooding between April and November 2024.

Lagos is already experiencing high flooding due to the rainy season, prompting the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to call for proactive measures in high-risk states to mitigate the menace.

Adamolekun stressed that the escalating situation of severe flooding during the peak of the rainy season heightens the risk of drowning incidents, making immediate action to support the NMCGVS critical.

He noted that NMCGVS personnel have undergone rigorous six-month professional training in conjunction with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology on regimented seaborne rescue swimming, preparing them to prevent and respond to drowning incidents nationwide.

Adamolekun said despite their commitment and ongoing training, the lack of essential equipment and logistical support hinders their ability to perform their life-saving duties, which could be severe given the heavy rains and flooding, with rising water levels.

Adamolekun called on the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Lagos State government, and foreign organisations to partner with the marine coastguards and support them with the necessary equipment and logistics.

He said this support would enable these dedicated rescue swimmers to perform their duties efficiently and effectively, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the devastating effects of flooding. (The Guardian)

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