The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has kicked off a week-long water safety and swimming training programme for school children in Badagry Local Government Area.
EpeInsights reports that now in its fifth edition, the initiative is part of LASWA’s flagship advocacy campaign, the “Lagos Water Savvy Kids Programme.”
The programme is organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Dolphin Swim School (DSS), a leading swimming institution dedicated to empowering women and children with vital aquatic skills.
According to the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the training combines theoretical lessons with hands-on swimming and rescue exercises to equip pupils with essential knowledge of water safety, basic survival techniques and emergency response skills.
He explained that the initiative aims to instill water confidence in young learners, especially those from communities that rely heavily on water transport.
“With this initiative, LASWA is working toward a safer, more confident generation of waterway users who are safety-conscious, self-reliant, and well-prepared for any challenges they may encounter on the water,” Emmanuel stated.
A total of 50 pupils from five public schools in Badagry have been selected for this year’s edition. The participating schools were carefully chosen from riverine communities where waterway commuting forms part of daily life.
Emmanuel emphasized that as Lagos continues to expand its water transportation network, it is crucial to prepare the next generation for safe and responsible use of the waterways.
The week-long training, which began on Monday, October 20, 2025, will run through Friday, October 24, 2025, featuring interactive sessions, safety drills and supervised swimming lessons conducted by certified instructors.
Through the Water Savvy Kids Programme, LASWA continues to champion safety, awareness, and confidence among young Lagosians — nurturing a future where the city’s waterways are not only a means of transport but also a safe, thriving part of everyday life.
