The Lagos Waterway Authority (LASWA) has advocated for the inclusion of swimming lesson in the curiculum of the state’s primary and secondary schools

LASWA’s Managing Director Mr Yinka Maarinho who disclosed this to Vanguard when students from selected schools in Lagos State visited LASWA’s office in Ikoyi said that the need to inculcate the use of water ways for transport and leisure in the younger generations cannot be overemphasized.

Marinho also stated that the idea behind the visit of the students is to introduce them to the possibilities of water transportation and create an awareness for them to know that there is another mode of transport in Lagos.

Besides, there issue of safety with regards to water transport is equally important, adding that the younger generations need to know this.

He explained that there are people with phobia for water and the the introduction of swimming in schools in Lagos state could help to alley this fear for water.

His words “ We want to open up the section of water transport so that we can help in educating children better in their swimming classes.

“Swimming itself is a great sport and a great way to recreate and keep the body fit and healthy so I made them to understand that next time they visit we teach water science and what the water signals are and possibly have a swimming competition amongst the schools. “If you notice a third of Lagos is surrounded by water, learning how to swim is a great way to recreate and great social function.

“In most areas swimming is encouraged in most schools and because we do not have swimming in most of the schools we have we have organisations that have swimming pools close to some these schools, I think taking a day out to get swimming lessons will do the children no harm, it will help them better in keeping them when they are going near the water.

Speaking in support of the integrated transport in Lagos State, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola Dr Mariam Masha stated that the education to the office of LAWSA is part of the ‘Be Road Friendly’ (BRF) initiative campaign by the state government adding that the school that came for the tour are the finalsts of the 2011 BRF competition.

She explained that what the children are doing is a transport educational tour around the stat.

“They have been to the other sector of the transport modes in Lagos State namely to see that Lagos is working, to show them that Lagos is working.

“They have been to the other agencies like ministry of transportation, LAG BUS, LAMASA, waterways to see the different type of transportation and modes of transportation that exist in the state, this is also part of the activities building up to the finals”.she added.

According to Dr Masha, the idea behind the competition is educate children on traffic safety.