The Australia Maldives Friendship Association (AMFA) has successfully concluded the pilot phases of the inaugural Maldives Junior Lifeguard Program.
The initiative aims to raise awareness among youth regarding maritime safety and security. The pilot phases were conducted in Kaafu Thulusdhoo and Fuvahmulah City.
The program was held in Thulusdhoo from September 12 to 14, followed by sessions in Fuvahmulah from September 16 to 18. During these three-day training sessions, 24 participants completed the program in Thulusdhoo alone.
The Maldives Junior Lifeguard Program is designed to empower youth between the ages of 11 and 17. Conducted in collaboration with Water Patrol Australia, the curriculum covers water safety, basic rescue skills, first aid, environmental responsibility, and leadership development.
The training was delivered through a combination of classroom-based theory sessions and practical field activities.
Following the conclusion of the pilot programs, AMFA President Dr Ibrahim Hassan said that the experience gained would be used to further develop and strengthen the program. He noted that AMFA aims to expand the initiative across various islands in the Maldives by 2027.
Interested island and city councils will be given the opportunity to participate as partners in future rollouts of the program.
AMFA Vice President and Project Lead, Aminath Salih, emphasised that the long-term goal extends beyond providing basic training. She highlighted the organization’s vision to build local capacity by developing trainers within island communities to teach water safety skills. This approach, she noted, ensures the sustainability of the initiative through community engagement.
AMFA will provide technical expertise, training frameworks, and necessary equipment for the program. However, the association stressed that successful implementation at the island level requires full cooperation and coordination from local councils. Details on how interested councils can apply for the 2027 programs will be announced by AMFA in the future.
