Lagos, Nigeria – July 22, 2025
A weekend meant for relaxation turned tragic when a Nigerian driver drowned during a beach outing in Lagos with a group of Indian expatriates.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Elegushi Beach, a popular spot in the city, when the driver—whose identity has not yet been officially released—was swept away by strong currents while swimming. Despite rescue efforts from local beach staff and bystanders, he could not be saved.
Eyewitnesses say the man had entered the water to cool off, unaware of the dangerous undercurrent.
“He wasn’t a strong swimmer,” said Chidi Nwafor, a beach vendor who witnessed the incident. “The water looked calm, but the tide pulled him fast. It was heartbreaking to watch.”
The deceased was said to have accompanied a group of Indian expatriates from a private company for a beach outing. While the others remained safe, the event has sparked conversation about safety standards at Lagos beaches, especially for casual visitors.
“There should be more warning signs and lifeguards on duty,” said Grace Adebayo, a mother of three who frequents the beach. “Too many lives have been lost like this.”
A Deeper Concern: Beach Safety
Unfortunately, this is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. Experts point to a lack of visible safety measures, such as flags marking dangerous areas, trained lifeguards, and public education about ocean currents.
“People think beaches are always safe, but the Atlantic Ocean is unpredictable,” said Dr. Samuel Oluko, a water safety expert. “We need to do more, especially in public and semi-private beach areas.”
Many Nigerians online have expressed sorrow and frustration, calling on beach operators and the Lagos State government to improve water safety protocols and provide better emergency response tools.
The victim’s body was recovered and taken to a nearby morgue. Authorities say an investigation is underway.
As Lagosian continue to mourn yet another life lost to the sea, the call for action grows louder: how many more lives must be lost before safety becomes a priority?
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