Essential Waterway Safety Information
Your safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways begins with knowledge. Whether you’re a daily commuter, occasional traveler, or boat operator, these guidelines can save your life.

Before You Travel

Check Weather Conditions
• Avoid travel during heavy rain, storms, or when weather warnings are issued
• Ask local boat operators about current water conditions
• Delay non-urgent trips if conditions are uncertain

Choose Your Vessel Carefully
• Select boats that appear well-maintained and seaworthy
• Avoid obviously overloaded vessels
• Check for visible safety equipment: life jackets, fire extinguisher, communication device
• Prefer boats with proper registration and visible operator licensing

Plan Your Journey
• Travel during daylight hours whenever possible
• Inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time
• Carry a charged mobile phone in a waterproof case
• Know the estimated travel time for your route

Life Jacket Use
Always Wear Your Life Jacket
• Put on your life jacket before boarding, not after the boat starts moving
• Ensure it fits properly: snug but comfortable
• Children’s life jackets should be age and size-appropriate
• Keep your life jacket on throughout the journey, even if you can swim

Life Jacket Basics
• A life jacket can keep you afloat even if you’re unconscious
• It increases your visibility to rescuers
• It provides thermal protection in cold water
• Swimming ability doesn’t eliminate the need for a life jacket

Safe Boarding & Onboard Behavior

Boarding the Boat
• Wait for the boat to be properly secured before boarding
• Step into the center of the boat, not the edges
• Keep your weight low and centered
• Allow others to stabilize before you move

During the Journey
• Remain seated while the boat is moving
• Don’t lean over the sides or stand unnecessarily
• Keep children seated close to you
• Avoid sudden movements that could destabilize the boat
• Don’t distract the boat operator

Passenger Limits
• Never board an overloaded boat, even if pressured
• If the boat appears too full, wait for the next trip
• Operators should respect posted passenger limits
• Too many passengers increase capsizing risk

Recognizing Dangerous Situations

Red Flags to Watch For
• Boat operators who appear intoxicated or reckless
• Absence of safety equipment
• Operators using mobile phones while navigating
• Excessive speed in crowded or narrow waterways
• Night travel without proper lighting
• Boats leakage on water or showing signs of damage
When to Refuse Travel Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, don’t board. Your life is more valuable than any schedule or social pressure.

Emergency Situations

If Someone Falls Overboard
• Alert the operator immediately
• Keep your eyes on the person in the water
• Throw floatable objects toward them if available
• Don’t jump in unless you’re trained in water rescue

If the Boat Capsizes
• Stay with the boat if possible—it provides flotation
• If wearing a life jacket, conserve energy and await rescue
• Help others nearby, especially children and non-swimmers
• Use your phone to call for help if it’s accessible and working

If You Must Swim
• Remove heavy clothing and shoes, but keep your life jacket on
• Swim toward the nearest safe shore
• If far from shore, conserve energy by floating
• Signal for help by waving one arm overhead

Calling for Help
• National Emergency Number: 112
• NIWA Emergency: Contact your local office
• State Emergency Services: Know local numbers for your area

For Parents & Guardians

Traveling with Children
• Ensure every child has a properly fitted life jacket
• Keep children close and supervised at all times
• Explain basic safety rules before boarding
• Position children in the center of the boat away from edges
• Bring entertainment to keep children seated and calm

Teaching Water Safety
• Help children understand water dangers without creating fear
• Practice life jacket use at home
• Teach children to alert adults if they see unsafe situations
• Explain what to do if separated from you during an emergency

For Boat Operators

Pre-Departure Checklist
• Inspect vessel for seaworthiness
• Ensure all safety equipment is onboard and functional
• Verify weather and water conditions
• Check fuel levels
• Confirm passenger count doesn’t exceed capacity
• Ensure all passengers have access to life jackets

Safe Operation Practices
• Maintain a safe speed appropriate for conditions
• Stay alert and avoid distractions
• Never operate a vessel while intoxicated
• Keep proper lookout at all times
• Follow navigation rules and right-of-way conventions
• Carry communication devices for emergencies

Professional Conduct
• Refuse to overload your vessel, even under pressure
• Maintain your vessel regularly
• Keep required documentation current
• Report hazards and incidents to authorities
• Set a good example by wearing your own life jacket

Special Conditions

Rainy Season Travel
• Water levels and currents change rapidly
• Visibility decreases significantly
• Floating debris creates additional hazards
• Exercise extra caution or delay non-essential travel

Night Travel
• Avoid whenever possible
• If necessary, ensure vessel has proper lighting
• Travel only on familiar routes
• Wear reflective life jackets
• Allow extra time and travel slowly

Crowded Market Days
• Arrive early to avoid the most crowded boats
• Be extra patient during boarding and disembarking
• Protect children in crowds
• Watch for overloading

Know Your Rights

As a waterway user, you have the right to:
• Refuse to board an unsafe or overloaded vessel
• Request and use a life jacket
• Report unsafe practices to authorities
• Receive fair treatment from operators
• Access compensation processes following incidents

Report Safety Concerns
If you observe unsafe practices, hazardous conditions, or incidents, please report them:
SWAAADO Reporting Line: +234 903 214 0048
Email: safety@swaaado.org
Online Form: www.swaaado.org/report

Your reports help us identify risks and advocate for improvements.

Download Our Safety Resources

• [Waterway Safety Poster – English]

• [Waterway Safety Poster – Yoruba]

• [Waterway Safety Poster – Igbo]

• [Waterway Safety Poster – Hausa]

• [Waterway Safety Poster – Pidgin]

• [Emergency Contact Card]

• [Children’s Activity Book on Water Safety]