Lagos State Waterways Authority begins waterways safety campaign in Lagos, distributes life jackets
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has commenced its 2025 Waterways Safety, Sensitisation Programme, distributing certified life jackets across major jetties and riverine communities in the state.
The campaign, which kicked off this week, forms part of LASWA’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of safety among passengers and operators on Lagos inland waterways, especially during the peak of the rainy season.
At several operational jetties including Falomo, Ijede, Sangotedo, Badore, Ito-Omu, Tarzan, and Baiyeku, LASWA officers carried out live demonstrations and engaged commuters, boat operators, and residents in safety talks.
The sessions focused on proper life jacket usage, emergency response techniques, and compliance with the authority’s operational guidelines for safe ferry travel.
As part of its “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” policy, LASWA distributed hundreds of branded life jackets to passengers, in addition to informational leaflets, souvenirs, notebooks and pens — all aimed at reinforcing public awareness and encouraging responsible behaviour on the waterways.
Speaking at one of the sensitisation stops, a LASWA official explained that the campaign is designed to address rising safety concerns during the rainy season, a period marked by rougher tides, increased wind surges, and poor visibility.
“We are being proactive. The rainy season brings additional risks, and our presence here today is to educate and equip waterway users to stay safe,” the official said.
The programme has drawn commendation from boat users and residents in riverine communities, many of whom hailed LASWA’s continued commitment to public safety and its visibility in underserved areas.
“This is not the first time LASWA is coming here, and each time they do, it shows they truly care about our safety,” a resident at Baiyeku Jetty noted.
The authority urged the public to remain safety-conscious at all times and reminded passengers that boarding without a life jacket remains prohibited on all state-monitored waterways.
