The police directed that all swimming pools must be properly supervised, clearly marked with safety notices and equipped with functional rescue tools.
The Oyo State Police Command has raised the alarm over a recent surge in drowning incidents across the state, urging residents, religious organisations, and operators of recreational facilities to take urgent safety precautions to prevent avoidable deaths.
In a public safety advisory issued on Wednesday, the Command warned members of the public to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams, dams, swimming pools and other water-related locations, noting that negligence and poor supervision have continued to cost lives.
The advisory, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, specifically cautioned church owners and religious organisations whose worship centres are located near rivers or other natural water bodies to adopt proactive safety measures during religious activities.
“Unsupervised access to nearby water bodies, especially by children, should be strictly discouraged,” the police warned, stressing that adequate supervision must be ensured at all times to prevent accidental drowning.
Hotel owners, resort operators and managers of recreational facilities were also reminded of their legal and moral responsibility to guarantee safety within their premises.
The police directed that all swimming pools must be properly supervised, clearly marked with safety notices and equipped with functional rescue tools.
The Command further advised such facilities to employ trained instructors, lifeguards and swimming tutors to guide users and reduce the risk of drowning incidents.
Parents and guardians were not left out, as the police cautioned them to be deliberate and vigilant about the safety of their children and wards.
According to the advisory, children should never be allowed to swim or visit rivers, wells or similar locations without close supervision by responsible adults.
The police also issued a warning to owners and occupants of houses with wells, urging them to ensure that wells are securely covered at all times.
Any damaged or corroded covers, the Command said, must be repaired immediately to avoid tragic accidents.
Access to well areas, especially in homes with children, should be restricted and locked when not in use.
Reacting to the situation, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, said the loss of lives through drowning is unacceptable and avoidable, calling on all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for public safety.
"Members of the public are encouraged to remain safety-conscious at all times and to promptly report any emergency situation to the nearest police station. The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property across the state," he added.