Lagos Launches Coastal Safety and Assistance Program
In a move to enhance year-round coastal safety, the Municipality of Lagos has officially launched the Coastal Prevention and Assistance Program (PPAL) unveiled during a public session held at the 21st Century Town Hall Auditorium. This initiative is designed to ensure the safety, rescue, and assistance of beachgoers across both monitored and unmonitored beaches in the region—especially during off-peak bathing seasons.
The PPAL is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Lagos City Council, the Humanitarian Association of Lagos Volunteer Firefighters, and the National Maritime Authority/Port Authority of Lagos. The municipality oversees coordination, funding, communications, and overall management through its Civil Protection and Forest Defense Service. Meanwhile, the fire department is responsible for operational implementation, staff training, and resource deployment, while the maritime authority provides command and technical-operational support.
Notably, the program covers all designated bathing waters and other high-traffic coastal zones. At its core, PPAL deploys a permanent team of three certified lifeguards, backed by a mobile response unit—a fully equipped vehicle designed to deliver swift emergency support until more advanced assistance arrives.
Looking ahead, the program’s second phase includes the development of training sessions for lifeguards operating in Lagos, with plans to establish a pool of certified professionals to assist beach concessionaires in recruitment.
The launch event gathered all participating stakeholders, including local beach concession holders. A highlight of the ceremony was the official handover of an Amarok emergency vehicle, certified by the National Institute for Lifesaving (ISN). The vehicle comes equipped with a rescue board, lifebuoys, first-aid kit, oxygen supply, communications system, off-road gear, uniforms, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Lagos Mayor Hugo Pereira personally handed over the keys, marking the vehicle’s deployment into active service on July 4.
The PPAL is part of the broader municipal strategy for coastal prevention, surveillance, and rescue, aligned with the region’s year-round bathing activity due to its mild climate. Many visitors frequent unmonitored and hard-to-reach areas, increasing the demand for continuous vigilance.
Lifeguard surveillance is provided daily throughout the year, operating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the bathing season, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in spring and autumn, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during winter months.
For non-emergency situations, beachgoers can contact the lifeguard team directly at +351 927 389 316. In case of emergencies, dial 112, the European emergency number.
