By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo state Police Command has alerted members of the public to a recent increase in incidents of drowning across the state.
It urged the residents of the state to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools, and other water-related facilities.
Particularly, it advised churches and religious organisations, particularly those whose worship centres are located close to rivers, streams, or other natural water bodies to take proactive safety measures during religious activities and ensure adequate supervision to prevent accidental drowning.
Additionally, it enjoined hotel owners, resort operators, and managers of recreational facilities to employ trained instructors, lifeguards, and swimming tutors to guide users and prevent accidents and drowning.
The Command rasied the alarm inna statement issued by the Spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka on Thursday.
The statement reads in part, “Unsupervised access to nearby water bodies, especially by children, should be strictly discouraged.
“Hotel owners, resort operators, and managers of recreational facilities are reminded of their responsibility to ensure that all swimming pools within their premises are properly supervised and clearly marked with safety notices.
“They are further advised to employ trained instructors, lifeguards, and swimming tutors to guide users and prevent accidents and drowning.
“Essential safety and rescue equipment must also be readily available and functional at all times.
“Parents and guardians are strongly advised to be vigilant and intentional about the safety of their wards.
“Children should not be allowed to visit rivers, wells, or engage in swimming activities without responsible adults who will properly guide, guard, and supervise them at all times.
“Owners and occupants of houses with wells are advised to ensure that all wells are properly covered and securely lidded at all times.
“Where corrosion, damage, or structural defects are noticed on well covers or protective structures, such defects must be addressed immediately to prevent accidents.
“In households with wells, elders and responsible adults must ensure that access to the well area is restricted and securely locked when not in use by an adult.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, emphasizes that avoidable loss of life is unacceptable and calls on all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for safety.
“He reiterates that the protection of life remains a core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain safety-conscious at all times and to promptly report any emergency situation to the nearest police station.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property across the State.”
