The Ogun State Police Command has called on operators of recreational centres and swimming facilities to strengthen safety measures following the death of a 17 year old boy who drowned while swimming in the state.
The police spokesperson, Babseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a statement shared on his X page on Wednesday. He said the warning became necessary following a series of drowning incidents recorded across Ogun State in recent times.
According to Oluseyi, the teenage boy lost his life in a swimming related incident which he described as avoidable. He said the incident had once again drawn attention to the dangers of swimming without adequate supervision or safety support.
“A couple of days ago, tragedy struck when a 17 year old young man with a bright and promising future lost his life to an avoidable drowning. In a matter of minutes, dreams were cut short and a family was plunged into grief, all because safety was absent when it mattered most,” the police spokesperson stated.
He warned that swimming without trained lifeguards or capable hands on ground posed serious risks, adding that a single careless moment could result in irreversible loss.
Oluseyi, however, did not disclose details of the location or time of the incident. He also declined further comments when contacted by our correspondent on Thursday.
The police command urged members of the public to exercise caution when swimming in rivers, streams, and pools. It also directed operators of hotels and recreational centres to ensure proper supervision of swimming facilities, availability of safety equipment, and deployment of trained lifeguards.
The command noted that avoidable loss of life remained unacceptable and stressed that all stakeholders must take responsibility for public safety.
Ogun police warn as teenage boy dies while swimming
The Ogun State Police Command has raised concerns over the rising cases of drowning across the state following the death of a teenage boy during a swimming activity.
The 17 year old boy reportedly drowned while swimming, prompting the police to issue fresh warnings to residents and operators of recreational facilities.
The command’s spokesperson, Babseyi Oluseyi, made this known in a statement posted on social media on Wednesday. He said the incident was part of recurring drowning cases that could have been prevented with proper safety measures.
Oluseyi described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the absence of trained supervision often turns leisure activities into fatal encounters.
“This incident is a stark reminder that swimming without an on duty lifeguard or capable hands around is a deadly risk. One careless moment can cost a lifetime. Please, be careful out there,” he said.
He added that swimming pools must be properly supervised, clearly marked, and equipped with safety tools at all times. According to him, operators who fail to comply with safety standards put lives at risk.
The police also advised residents to be extremely cautious when swimming in natural water bodies such as rivers and streams, especially during periods of increased water levels.
The Ogun State Police Command noted that the recent incident was not isolated, recalling previous drowning cases involving teenagers in different parts of the state. It stressed the need for collective responsibility to prevent further loss of life.
The Commissioner of Police warned that avoidable deaths were unacceptable and urged all stakeholders, including parents, facility operators, and swimmers, to prioritise safety at all times.
