Maldives Launches First Junior Lifeguard Programme

The Australia Maldives Friendship Association (AMFA) has launched a new ocean safety initiative, the Maldives Junior Lifeguard Programme (MJLP), aimed at delivering vital water-safety and lifesaving education to young Maldivians. Developed in partnership with Water Patrol Australia, the inaugural pilot programme will take place this September in Thulusdhoo and Fuvahmulah. The initiative targets youth aged 11 to 17, equipping them with practical skills to navigate ocean conditions safely and respond effectively to aquatic emergencies.

Over the course of the three-day training, participants will engage in hands-on beach rescue exercises, water confidence training, and rescue board demonstrations. The structured curriculum covers rip current awareness, ocean safety, First Aid, CPR, emergency response, teamwork, and youth leadership. To maintain high safety standards and ensure focused instruction, organisers are operating with a strict one-to-eight trainer-to-participant ratio. Environmental organisation Reefscapers has also joined the programme as its Marine Conservation Partner, incorporating dedicated marine stewardship lessons into the curriculum.

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While organisers are hosting the pilot in Thulusdhoo from 12 to 14 September and in Fuvahmulah from 16 to 18 September, AMFA intends to scale the programme nationwide next year following strong early interest from several island communities. Registrations for the limited pilot places are currently open to young people from all islands, with applications closing on 27 August. Participants require no prior lifesaving experience, and interested applicants or guardians can request further information by emailing info@mjlp.org.