Aiming to reduce fatalities from water-related incidents, the Nigerian Marine Coastguard Volunteer Service (NMCVCS) has completed training for its first batch of 75 rescue officers. This development comes amidst rising concerns about boat accidents, flooding, and drownings in the country.
Urgent Call for Public Awareness:
During the passing-out parade of the newly trained officers, NMCVCS Chief Commander Isaac Adamolekun emphasized the need for urgent public education. He stressed the importance of informing water users about proper safety measures and emergency response procedures.
Paramilitary Volunteers for Seaborne Rescue:
Adamolekun described the NMCVCS as a “seaborne regiment paramilitary” dedicated to safeguarding lives on Nigerian waterways. The organization aims to provide vital support in search-and-rescue operations, particularly in areas where traditional coastal authorities may be limited.
He said statistics from the group’s research showed that over 1,292 deaths were recorded from drowning as a result of a flood that submerged the entire country from 2012 to 2023.
Adamolekun said that drowning had been overlooked for a long time now.
He urged the government to launch an enlightenment campaign on how to save victims of drowning.
“You don’t combat drowning when it is happening; you need to prepare for it. You must be at the scene and know the terrain, so when it comes you will be proactive and counter it. It is not when it has happened that you will be looking for a solution. It is going to be a very difficult task.
“There should be an educative move on this in Nigeria. Since we know it is a thing that happens everywhere, you can’t look at things that claim the life of the people and you let it lie and feel it has to be the government alone that will do it. We are all part of the government; we have our roles to play,” he said.
