The Lagos State government has warned against overloading boats, adding that passengers must always wear life jackets while travelling on waterways in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, GBENGA OMOTOSHO, gave the warning against the backdrop of the disclosure by the police that seven drowning incidents were recorded in the state in the last one week.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, the incidents occurred at hotel swimming pools, a beach, and the Third Mainland Bridge.

Reflecting on these incidents, he said that 99 per cent of those accidents happened to private boats because of the human element.

He, however, noted that the government is investing a lot in personnel and equipment to attract people to waterways. 

According to him, the government is also carrying out advocacy, telling people it’s safer and faster because there are no traffic jams on the waterway and telling them they will be comfortable.

OMOTOSHP said when Governor BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU assumed office, there were only about seven ferries, but today, there are 21, including a batch that can carry almost 200 people.