In recent months, the Maldives has seen a notable increase in water sports-related accidents. These incidents have been reported across organized tourist tours, motorized water sports activities, and even casual swimming. While some accidents have resulted in minor injuries, others have had more severe consequences, raising serious concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in the Maldives’ thriving tourism sector.
The rise in such incidents has sparked conversations about the lack of robust safety protocols in place for excursions and water sports activities. Despite the Maldives’ reputation as a premier tourist destination, the sector has faced criticism for insufficient oversight of safety procedures. Discussions among stakeholders and government officials have highlighted the urgent need for adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment inspections, and enhanced training for water sports operators.
Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the Maldivian government began taking tangible steps towards improving water sports safety towards the end of 2024. A key announcement came in November, with officials confirming plans to draft and enforce proper regulations for water sports activities. These new regulations will include fines and other penalties for non-compliance, ensuring that safety measures are followed rigorously.
One of the most significant initiatives was recently unveiled by the Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, addressing safety concerns surrounding whale shark tours. These tours are among the Maldives' most popular attractions, yet they have often been conducted without adequate guidelines or site management. This has led to dangerous situations where speedboats and safari vessels operate in close proximity to snorkelling tourists without the use of propeller guards, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Reports of whale sharks bearing scars from boat propellers have also highlighted the urgent need for better regulation.
In response, the government has announced that all vessels involved in whale shark tours will be required to install propeller guards. According to Minister Thoriq, this regulation will be published in the Gazette within a week and implemented within three months. Additionally, other measures will be introduced to enhance safety in whale shark zones. These include:
- Mandatory speed limits for vessels entering the area.
- A dedicated monitoring speedboat to oversee tourist excursions.
- A requirement to assign one guide for every five tourists during whale shark tours.
Non-compliance with these regulations will result in penalties, and a committee has been formed to monitor enforcement and address any violations.
Despite previous administrations attempting to tackle these problems, little progress has been made until now. With two tourist deaths already reported due to propeller accidents, these new regulations aim to prevent such tragedies in the future and safeguard the Maldives' reputation as a safe and desirable tourist destination.
