Lagos-Based Coach Swims Third Mainland Bridge Lagoon to Raise Mental Health Awareness (VIDEO)

A Nigerian swimming coach, Akinrodoye Dare, swam the entire 11.8 kilometres of the Third Mainland Bridge Lagoon in Lagos on Saturday in two hours and 33 minutes, to raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly suicide and depression.

In a video shared on X by, Akinrodoye Dare also known as Coach Dreh highlighted the importance of mental health and encouraged those struggling to seek help.

“I’m going to be swimming the entire length of the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge to raise awareness and sensitise the public on mental health, suicide, and depression.

“It is 11.8km from Mainland Oworonshoki to Island Adeniji Adele.

“My years of experience in the aquatic realm is over a decade, and swimming for me means I can do anything and become anything I want with it.

“Mental health is a cause I’m passionate about, and life can be very tough, and I think it’s okay to ask for help. Your life can change positively within the blink of an eye; stay alive to witness it.” 

Today, the 30th March, 2024. SsA young man defied all odds and daringly swam the 11.8km length of the third mainland bridge in 2hrs33mins50 secs.

His name is Dare popularly called Coach Dreh.

He swam against mental health, suicide and depression.

Congratulations #CoachDreh pic.twitter.com/AwiDVPFL3r

— Prince Ahmad Y (@MeetPrinceAhmad) March 30, 2024

2 hours, 33 minutes of none stop swimming!

That’s how long it took Coach Drey to swim the entire length of the Third Mainland Bridge.

He swam to raise awareness for mental health (specifically suicide and depression)

Absolute Legend! pic.twitter.com/eiGR7jPblP

— The Great Abisola (@AbisolaAlawode) March 30, 2024