The Ogun State Police Command has called for enhanced safety measures at recreational centres and swimming facilities across the state following the death of a 17-year-old boy who drowned while swimming.
The command’s Public Relations, Babseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Wednesday.
According to Oluseyi, the warning followed recurring incidents of drowning in the state.
He noted that the teenager lost his life in a recent swimming-related incident.
Oluseyi said, “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.
“This heartbreaking 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.”
However, Oluseyi did not provide further details on where or when the incident occurred.
He also declined to comment further when contacted by our correspondent on Thursday.
Earlier, the police spokesperson had urged residents to exercise caution when swimming in rivers and pools.
The PPRO also urged operators of recreational centres and swimming facilities to put safety measures in place to prevent accidents.
“The Ogun Police Command warns the public of a recent rise in drowning incidents across the state. Members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution when swimming in rivers, streams, or swimming pools.
“Hotel and recreational facility operators must ensure that all swimming pools are properly supervised, clearly marked, and have trained lifeguards on duty at all times. Safety equipment must also be readily available.
“The Commissioner of Police advises that avoidable loss of life is unacceptable, and all stakeholders must take responsibility to ensure safety for themselves and others,” Oluseyi stated.
This is not the first drowning incident to result in loss of life in Ogun State.
PUNCH Metro reported in May 2024 that a teenager, Iremide Opeifa, drowned in a swimming pool at the Grand Bank Link Hotels along Idiroko Road in the Sango Ota area of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that Iremide had finished assisting his mother at her shop before heading to the hotel, where he drowned in the pool.
Similarly, in August 2024, two teenagers, identified as Malik Abdulganiyu and Hawal Akande, were found dead in a river at Edudu Baale, Idi-Oke community, Igbesa, in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.
The lifeless bodies of the victims, who had been reported missing on August 28, 2024, were later found floating in the river.
These incidents underscore the need for enhanced safety across swimming facilities in the state.
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