Man swims length of Third Mainland Bridge

Akinrodoye Dare, a Nigerian man, accomplished a remarkable feat on Saturday by swimming the entire length of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Dare completed the daunting task in just two hours and 33 minutes, covering a distance of 11.8 kilometers. His remarkable endeavor was not merely a physical challenge but a poignant statement aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly suicide and depression.

Coach Akinrodoye, as he is known, embarked on this extraordinary journey with a clear purpose. Speaking before his swim, he expressed his motivation, stating, “I’m going to be swimming the entire length of the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge to raise awareness and sensitize the public on mental health, suicide, and depression.”

Dare’s decision to undertake such a daunting task underscores his commitment to advocating for mental health awareness, utilizing his passion for swimming as a powerful tool for social change.

With over a decade of experience in the aquatic realm, Dare sees swimming not only as a physical activity but as a symbol of resilience and possibility. He emphasized, “Swimming means I can do anything and become anything I want with it.”

Through his incredible feat, Dare aims to inspire others to confront mental health challenges head-on and seek the support they need.

The significance of Dare’s swim was further underscored by the presence of a standby floating clinic observed in the accompanying video footage. This precautionary measure served to ensure Dare’s safety and well-being throughout his journey, mitigating any potential hazards he might encounter along the way.

In his message to those struggling with mental health issues, Dare offered words of encouragement and hope, saying, “Life can be very tough. 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.”

His powerful message resonates with individuals facing similar challenges, reminding them that they are not alone and that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.