Sequel to the drowning of two students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the Elegushi Private Beach, the Elegushi Royal Family has shut down the beach in honour of the victims and to allow investigation of the incident.
Recall that it was reported that the victims, Adesola Ogunmefun and Funmilayo Odusina, drowned while swimming in the ocean during a party organised in celebration of their friend’s birthday on the firtst Sunday of the month of June.
The Elegushi family closed down the beach ahead of the visit by the state government’s investigation team. The family said the measure was taken to improve the safety and management standards at the beach.
In a press conference held yesterday in the Elegushi Palace in Lekki, the family’s spokesperson and Asiwaju of Ikate Land, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi, condoled with the bereaved family, regretting the “unfortunate incident”.
The royal family refuted the claim that the victims died in the beach, noting that the deceased were rescued alive but died on the way to the hospital. Prince Elegushi said the safety facilities at the beach were up to the standards, adding that necessary safety measures, including the provision of lifeguards and ambulances, were provided at the beach in line with best practice.
He said: “We want to set the record straight on the incident that happened at the family beach on June 5. We want the public to know there was high and strong ocean tide on that day and visitors were warned not to swim beyond a dedicated danger line, where we hoist a red flag to indicate strong ocean tide.
“We achieved substantial per cent compliance, but some visitors still went ahead to swim beyond the flag despite constant warning by our lifeguards. When the victims drowned, our lifeguards plunged into the ocean and rescued them alive. Let it be on record that none of the victims died on the spot as reported.
“Immediately they were rescued, the victims’ friends, rather than allowing experts to give first aid and resuscitation exercise, they carried the victims and drove to the hospital, where the two students died. It was very sad and we commiserate with the family. The family has decided to temporarily shut operation of the beach in honour of the victim and to allow investigation.”
The Elegushi family noted that the period of the closure would enable the beach management to improve safety standards.
Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Mr Ade Akinsanya, said the government would investigate alleged recklessness on the part of the beach management. He added that government would, thenceforth, punish beach operators that fail to comply with safety standards.
