Following recent tragic incidents of drowning in the state, Lagos State Government, on Saturday, issued an urgent advisory to all public facilities, including beaches and swimming pools, directing them to adhere strictly to the State Swimming Pool Regulations of 2021, saying that it would hesitate to enforce these regulations and apply penalties against any facility found in violation.

The Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), Mr Lanre Mojola, made this directive in a statement made available to newsmen, saying that the measure was to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors engaging in aquatic activities.

Mojola lamented that reported cases of increase in drowning incidents, with quantum loss of lives in the past few weeks, describing the incidence as unimaginable, just as he sadly noted that “these unfortunate events have occurred across various locations, including hotel swimming pools, beaches, and the lagoon.”

The LSC boss extended the state government’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the various disasters, assuring that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration was committed to preventing further loss of life.

Speaking further, Mojola quickly recalled that the Lagos State Swimming Pool Regulations were established to create a sustainable safety culture, outline critical safety policies, standards, and practice key provisions which include the presence of trained lifeguards, proper signages, incident reporting protocols, and restrictions on alcohol usage and fire around pool areas.

He said that all operators of public swimming facilities needed to comply with these regulations to prevent further incidences, and, therefore, urged facility operators to ensure the presence of certified lifeguards during operational hours, display clear safety rules and emergency procedures, conduct regular safety audits and maintenance checks.

Besides, the government equally demanded that operators provide appropriate safety equipment, including first aid kits, and enforce strict adherence to safety guidelines by all patrons.

“Government urges operators to ensure the presence of certified lifeguards during operational hours, display clear safety rules and emergency procedures, conduct regular safety audits and maintenance checks, provide appropriate safety equipment, including first aid kits, and enforce strict adherence to safety guidelines by all patrons.”

He, however, declared that the state government was taking proactive steps to enforce these regulations and would not hesitate to apply penalties to any facility found in violation, insisting that the safety of the citizens and visitors was of utmost importance that all must work together to prevent drowning and ensure a safe environment for aquatic activities.

Mojola, therefore, directed the public to visit the Lagos State Safety Commission’s website atwww.lasgsafety.comfor more information on the Lagos State Swimming Pool Regulations and safety tips, urging Whistleblowers to escalate any unsafe practices or infractions to 07000SAFETY. (Sunday Tribune)