World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 “Unite to Turn the Tide”
Hulhumalé, Maldives | 26 September 2026
Avani+ Fares Maldives joined the Health Protection Agency (HPA), World Health Organization (WHO) Maldives and Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School (MSLSTS) for a national public awareness initiative held in Hulhumalé in recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day 2026.
Held at Hulhumalé Phase 1 Beach, the event brought together public-health authorities, emergency-response agencies, lifesaving professionals, community organisations and representatives from the Maldivian tourism industry to promote practical drowning-prevention measures and strengthen public awareness of water safety.
The initiative was held under the 2026 global theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” highlighting the importance of coordinated action to prevent drowning and build safer communities around water.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Supports a National Water-Safety Initiative
The participation of Avani+ Fares Maldives highlighted the important role of the tourism industry in supporting national water-safety and drowning-prevention initiatives.
Representing Avani+ Fares Maldives was Ibrahim Nasir, Cluster Security and Transport Manager, who participated in the programme alongside MSLSTS and representatives of national partner organisations.
Avani+ Fares Maldives’ involvement reflects the important contribution that responsible tourism organisations can make to wider community safety, particularly in a country where daily life, tourism and livelihoods are closely connected to the ocean.
MSLSTS Contributes Professional Lifesaving Expertise
The Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School (MSLSTS) supported the initiative through professional water-safety and lifesaving expertise, contributing to practical demonstrations and public awareness activities.
The programme provided members of the public with opportunities to learn about drowning prevention, water-safety awareness, rescue skills, first aid, CPR, lifesaving techniques and emergency response.
Through its participation, MSLSTS reinforced its continuing commitment to developing professional lifesaving capabilities and extending water-safety education to communities throughout the Maldives.
A Strong National Partnership
The Hulhumalé programme demonstrated the strength of a multisector approach to drowning prevention.
The event brought together:
- Health Protection Agency (HPA)
- World Health Organization (WHO) Maldives
- Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School (MSLSTS)
- Housing Development Corporation (HDC)
- Maldivian Red Crescent
- Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)
- Maldives Police Service
- Hulhumalé Hospital
- Patina Maldives
- JOALI Maldives
- JOALI BEING
- Avani+ Fares Maldives
- and other supporting partners and stakeholders
The participation of organisations from public health, emergency response, lifesaving, community services and tourism demonstrated that drowning prevention is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration across sectors. HPA’s event update specifically identified HPA, WHO Maldives, Hulhumalé Hospital, HDC, MNDF, Maldivian Red Crescent, Maldives Police Service, MSLSTS and other partners as participants. MSLSTS also highlighted the special participation of Patina Maldives, JOALI Maldives, JOALI BEING and Avani+ Fares Maldives.
Turning Global Awareness into Local Action
The 2026 global theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” calls for governments, communities, families, employers and individuals to work together through proven drowning-prevention measures. The World Health Organization’s 2026 campaign emphasises swimming and water-safety education, safer environments, rescue and resuscitation skills, and coordinated action across sectors.
The Hulhumalé event translated this global message into practical community engagement through water-safety awareness, rescue demonstrations, basic first aid and CPR, lifesaving activities and emergency-response drills.
Strengthening Water Safety in Hulhumalé
The event also reinforced the importance of improving access to lifesaving equipment and strengthening community preparedness.
As part of its commitment to a safer Hulhumalé, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced plans to install lifebuoys along the Channel Park area, supporting improved access to essential lifesaving equipment for the community.
Such measures, combined with public education and practical lifesaving skills, contribute to a stronger and more resilient water-safety environment.
From Professional Training to Community Awareness
Drowning prevention begins before an emergency occurs.
Recognising hazards, maintaining appropriate supervision around water, understanding environmental conditions, knowing how to seek assistance and developing basic rescue, first-aid and CPR skills can all contribute to safer behaviour and improved emergency preparedness.
The participation of Avani+ Fares Maldives and MSLSTS, alongside national authorities and partner organisations, demonstrated how professional water-safety knowledge and responsible tourism practices can contribute to a wider culture of prevention.
A Shared Commitment to Safer Waters
World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 provided an important platform for national stakeholders to come together around a common objective: prevent drowning and protect lives.
For Avani+ Fares Maldives, participation represents a commitment to supporting community-focused safety initiatives and contributing to the Maldives’ broader water-safety efforts.
For MSLSTS, the programme represents another opportunity to bring professional lifesaving knowledge directly into the community and strengthen public understanding of aquatic safety.
The collective participation of HPA, WHO Maldives, MSLSTS, HDC, MNDF, Maldivian Red Crescent, Maldives Police Service, Hulhumalé Hospital, Patina Maldives, JOALI Maldives, JOALI BEING, Avani+ Fares Maldives and other partners demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing drowning prevention.
