SWIMMING TECHNIQUES : Army Trains Personnel To Tackle Flood , Riverine Operations

The Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Edet Effiong has charged the graduating students of the Basic Swimming Course 1/2023 to deploy the knowledge they have gained to enhance their professional competence. He gave the charge during the graduation ceremony of the Course held at the Python Swimming Pool, Port Harcourt Barracks.

Brigadier General Effiong who doubled as the Commander Sector 3, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, urged the graduating students not to rest on their oars in correcting observed lapses during their training.

He further maintained that they should be ready to face more challenges in the practical aspects as it concerns riverine operations or natural disasters, such as floods as they go into the field.

According to a statement, while appreciating the students for their discipline and dedication that led to the successful completion of the Course, he added that the collective performance displayed at the graduation ceremony was indeed a true reflection of efforts put in during the training.

Earlier, the acting Division Training Officer (DTO), Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Manu, while presenting the course highlight noted that the concept of the Course was to provide the soldiers with the requisite capabilities to perform their functions in riverine operations, giving the complex operating environment in the Niger Delta region.

He added that the training has exposed the soldiers to the ability to function optimally during any riverine operations, reduce risk of drowning and enhance personal capabilities for an amphibious operations.

The training, according to the DTO encompassed physical training, introduction to swimming, its importance, principles, equipment needed, diving and combat swimming among other packages.

The course which  assembled on 2 October 2023, ran for a period of 5 weeks with a total number of 26 soldiers and qualified instructors drawn from various formations and units within 6 Division Area of Responsibilities.