HOW TO HAVE SAFE IN-WATER EXPERIENCES IN THE MALDIVES
The Maldives is renowned for its stunning marine life, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. While these natural wonders offer unforgettable experiences, safeguarding your well-being and participating in activities responsibly go hand in hand. Whether you are planning to snorkel with whale sharks or manta rays, explore coral reefs or participate in watersports, you play an important role in promoting safe and responsible tourism. By being proactive and informed, you can ensure your own personal safety and help ensure operators follow best practices and adhere to marine life codes of conduct.
PERSONAL IN WATER SAFETY
As a tour company that prioritizes safety, Secret Paradise Maldives conducts thorough risk assessments to implement measures that minimize risks and ensures we have plans in place to manage unexpected situations. Similarly, as a traveler, staying informed and aware helps you reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Wear Life Jackets: Always wear a life jacket when transferring by speedboat, especially if you’re unfamiliar with swimming or the waters. Most speedboat operators provide them, but it’s always good to check and when boarding never be afraid to ask to be provided with a life jacket to wear, regardless of the weather conditions.
Inform Someone of Your Plans: If you’re heading for an excursion, swimming, or leaving the island with a provider other than your accommodation, inform the reception/front desk about your whereabouts and expected return time. This ensures someone can act quickly if something unexpected happens.
Assess Your Skills: Be honest about your swimming or snorkeling abilities. If you’re a beginner, stick to shallow waters, take lessons if needed, or hire a guide to assist you.
Avoid Overexertion: Know your limits and avoid overexertion while swimming or snorkeling, especially in deeper waters.
Do Not Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy or under the supervision of a guide. This is especially important in unfamiliar waters.
Night Swimming: Refrain from swimming at night as visibility is low, and it can be challenging to gauge water conditions.
Stick to Designated Areas: Swim in areas marked as safe for tourists. These zones are often free from strong currents, boat traffic and lifeguards may be present in some locations.
Be Aware of Currents: Ocean conditions in the Maldives can change quickly due to currents and weather. Stay vigilant, and if something feels off, don’t hesitate to exit the water or postpone your activity. Avoid venturing far from the shore unless you are with an experienced guide.
Use Appropriate Gear: For snorkeling, ensure your mask, snorkel, and fins fit well. Consider wearing a buoyancy vest for added safety, particularly if you’re not a strong swimmer.
CHOOSING A SAFE & ETHICAL WATER ACTIVITY OPERATOR
Research the Operator: Look for operators certified by reputable organizations that focus on marine conservation and safety, such as PADI, Reef-World Foundation’s Green Fins, or Travelife.
Ask Questions Before Booking: Inquire about safety measures, such as trained staff, emergency response plans, and the use of appropriate equipment. Ask about group sizes for tours, smaller groups are safer for participants and less disruptive to marine life. Ask how the operator adheres to guidelines such as not touching, feeding, or chasing marine animals.
Boarding Boats: Take extra care when boarding speedboats, dhonis, or other vessels. Hold onto railings if provided, and wait for crew assistance especially if the seas are rough.
Observe Practices: Responsible operators will provide clear safety briefings and explain how to interact with marine life responsibly. The guides will get in and check the current before allowing guests to enter the water. The guide will always be first to get in to the water before their guests and be the last to exit.
Follow Instructions: Listen to safety briefings and question anything you are not clear about. Follow instructions from guides or captains during excursions, especially in relation to when it is safe to enter the water or approach the vessel to exit the water.
Be Cautious Around Marine Life: While encounters with marine life, such as sharks or rays, are usually safe and awe-inspiring, maintain a respectful distance. Do not feed or touch the animals to avoid unnecessary risks. Pay attention to how guides interact with the environment. They should model respectful and cautious behavior around marine life and should not encourage the feeding or touching of marine life.
Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with the location of safety equipment such as life buoys, and know who to contact in case of an emergency or if you have any concerns.
Hold Operators Accountable: After an activity, share feedback about the operators practices. Praise adherence to safe and responsible tourism standards and call out areas of improvement. If you witness unsafe practices or harm to marine life, report it to local authorities or conservation organizations. Reporting issues to your guesthouse, resort, or local authorities can make a difference in preserving the Maldives’ marine life and ensuring the safety of others.
By taking these precautions, you can fully immerse yourself in the pristine waters and breathtaking marine beauty of the Maldives while staying safe and promoting responsible tourism. From selecting a reputable operator to following safety guidelines and respecting marine life, every step you take contributes to both your personal well-being and the protection of the fragile ecosystem.
Whether you’re snorkeling, diving, or exploring coral reefs, we believe in treading lightly and leaving only footprints in the sand. Travel safely, responsibly, and sustainably with Secret Paradise – together, we can protect the Maldives for future generations!
