The first junior lifeguard program in the country, being conducted by the Australia-Maldives Friendship Association (AMFA), has been launched in Fuvahmulah City. The program was officially inaugurated at a formal ceremony held at the office of Fuvahmulah City Council today, attended by David Jessup, the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives who is currently visiting Fuvahmulah City.

The three-day program is attended by 24 children aged between 11 and 17 years. Training is provided by experienced instructors from "Water Patrol Australia" and Maldivian instructors. This includes practical training related to swimming, water activities, and water safety measures. Additionally, program participants will also be provided with information on water entry and exit, water safety, rescue, first aid and CPR training, teamwork, leadership, and environmental protection.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Mayor of Fuvahmulah City Mohamed Liraar said that this is an important program for Fuvahmulah City, which has no uninhabited islands and is an isolated atoll and island, unlike other islands, with a relatively large population earning income from the sea.

"Teaching people to save others without putting themselves at risk is important, and if children understand the value of this ability, the equipment associated with water, and the respect and care that should be given to them, then it is also important for a child who returns to water to be trained," Deputy Mayor said.

Speaking at the ceremony, David Jessup the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, said that Australia and the Maldives have many things in common and that providing support to this program is a great honor for the High Commission.

"Both the Maldives and Australia are island nations, with a large majority of the Maldivian population living within 100 meters of the sea, while 90 percent of Australia's population lives within 100 kilometers of the sea. Therefore, water safety and lifeguard skills are extremely important for the citizens of our two nations to ensure the safety of the community. Providing assistance to the 'Maldives Junior Lifeguarding Program' conducted by the Australia-Maldives Friendship Association is a great honor for the Australian High Commission," the High Commissioner said.

Speaking at the ceremony, AMFA Vice President Aamina Salah said that through this program, in addition to teaching young people skills, the capacity of Maldivian lifeguards to train will also be enhanced.

"With the knowledge and practical skills provided in this program, people can work towards personal safety and the safety of others. Our greatest hope in the future is that through this program, children will become more familiar with the marine environment and, while in water, in addition to personal safety, they will also develop an understanding that they need to provide assistance," she said.