The magazine “Fatshimetrie” recently highlighted a string of tragic incidents involving drowning at hotel swimming pools and beaches. According to Hundeyin, who provided information to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), seven individuals lost their lives due to drowning in a single week. The incidents occurred at various locations including two drownings at a Mushin hotel, a drowning at a Lagos Island resort, and other tragedies at Ibeshe Island, the Third Mainland Bridge, and a hotel in Lagos, Shasha.
These unfortunate deaths could have been prevented with appropriate safety measures in place and followed diligently. Stressing the importance of hiring certified lifeguards and prominently displaying signs indicating lifeguard availability, Hundeyin emphasized the critical role that hotel owners play in ensuring guest safety.
Maintaining a secure aquatic environment, whether at hotels, public pools, or beaches, is a shared responsibility. Hospitality establishments must implement necessary measures to safeguard their guests. This includes employing trained professionals, educating staff on water first aid, and informing guests about safety regulations to avert such tragic incidents.
Moreover, hotels should transparently communicate their safety protocols by clearly presenting safety guidelines, lifeguard details, and emergency contacts. This transparency fosters awareness among guests and fosters a culture of safety in aquatic surroundings.
Drowning is a preventable calamity, underscoring the need for all stakeholders—be it hotels, local authorities, or guests—to take water safety seriously. Respecting safety standards, training staff, and raising public awareness are crucial steps in ensuring the safety of aquatic spaces.
Let this series of tragedies serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of water safety and motivate all involved parties to take proactive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.