Lagos tasks boat operators, passengers on safety rules on waterways

Staff of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), yesterday visited Liverpool, Temidire and Coconut Jetties to sensitise boat operators and passengers on the importance of safety and keeping safety rules when about boarding a boat or on a boat.

They were advised to not only put on lifejackets, but also wear it properly while on a boat. While boat operators were told to ensure that passengers are instructed on the importance of safety when on board, passengers were urged to listen to boat captains and deckhands and to follow operators’ directives in case of an emergency.

A boat operator, Bola Ogungbe, said passengers are usually recalcitrant when it comes to compelling them to use lifejackets. He claimed that when new lifejackets are bought, some passengers usually take them away, reason some of the lifejackets donated by LASWA to them are usually not available days after. He was responding to an official of LASWA who claimed that lifejackets donated are usually not available for use days after.

Ogungbe appealed to the Lagos State government to help remove wreckages of ships and boats from the waterways, as it often are responsible for boat accidents.

A passenger at Liverpool Jetty, Dupe Rasak, pleaded that the state government and the boat operators should provide lifejackets for children, adding that many of the lifejackets are worn-out and could not help keep passengers afloat in case of any boat mishap.

Probably in response to the call for lifejackets for children, two lifejackets were given to two kids at Liverpool Jetty.