Message from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare on the Commemoration of 2024 World Drowning Prevention Day
Dear Citizens,
On World Drowning Prevention Day, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirms its commitment to preventing drowning, a tragic and preventable public health issue claiming thousands of lives annually, especially among children, adolescents, and young adults.
To prioritize water safety, we urge everyone to adopt these preventive measures, aligned with national and WHO guidelines:
• Swimming lessons: Ensure children and adults participate in certified swimming programs. The Nigeria Water Safety Guidelines recommend starting swimming lessons for children by age four and ensuring instructors are certified.
• Supervision: Always watch children near water bodies. The WHO advises maintaining constant, close supervision without distractions and designating a responsible adult to supervise when in a group.
• Life jackets: Wear life jackets when boating or engaging in water sports. The Nigeria Boating Safety Regulations mandate life jackets for all passengers on boats and emphasize the importance of proper fit and condition.
• Pool fencing: Install barriers around swimming pools. The Nigeria Pool Safety Standards require pools to have four-sided fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access by children.
• Emergency preparedness: Learn first aid and CPR to respond to water emergencies. The WHO’s Emergency Preparedness Guide stresses the importance of having first aid kits available and ensuring that individuals in water-prone areas are trained in CPR and rescue techniques.
By implementing these measures and fostering a culture of water safety, we can significantly reduce drowning incidents and protect our loved ones.
Let us pledge to be vigilant and proactive in promoting water safety. Together, we can save lives.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
Federal Republic of Nigeri
