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Learning to swim the Maldivian way
Maldives.net.mv – Seven Grade 3 children join hands in a circle in the shallow turquoise water of Soneva Fushi, Maldives. On the count of three they duck, submerging their faces into the warm water. Seconds later they jump up, squealing with contagious delight. With their instructors, they float on their backs and kick in the shallows, their giggles drowning out the sound of the waves.
So far, not so unusual. But for many of these island nation children, this is their first ever swimming lesson. Despite living on Eydhafushi, an island less than 1km long by half a kilometre wide and just one metre above sea level, most of these children are unable to swim. Unusually dark skies, intermittent rain and choppy water cannot dampen the excitement of the children as they receive their first proper instruction in the water.
Federica Siena, marine biologist at Soneva Fushi, is the lead of the two week learn-to-swim programme Her small stature belies a strength of focus, both in and out of the water. In a lilting Italian accent, she explains the motivation behind the programme:
“The idea came from the 2013 SLOW LIFE Symposium which is an annual environmental event hosted by Soneva. We had lots of conversations with marine experts and we thought that teaching kids seemed the most important way to inform the people around Soneva Fushi about protecting the ocean. It’s the first step in a bigger goal of environmental protection. Giving lectures and presentations wouldn’t work – the kids need to have a passion and start loving the sea.”
Filmmaker and six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council Jon Bowermaster, is making a documentary film of the swim programme, with the aim of promoting swimming worldwide. He asks the children where they go to swim. We don’t, they respond. Why not? It is dangerous. There are dangerous fish and it is dirty.
The dangerous fish is questionable. But without doubt the shoreline at Eydhafushi is dirty. The parents refuse to let their children take their swimming lessons there and with good reason. The contrast between the litter-strewn beaches of local islands and the clean white sand of resort islands like Soneva Fushi is impossible to ignore. In a nation with few municipal waste facilities and huge stress on the limited available land, the sea has traditionally been a useful dumping ground. But just one or two generations ago that waste would have been food waste and biodegradable matter. Today it is plastic bottles, plastic packaging and aluminium cans.
“I have travelled around the world studying the way people who live on the edge of the ocean react to it, treat it. Sadly there are many places where the ocean has been abused by people mistreating it for decades,” says Jon.
“The goal with our learn-to-swim programme is to teach kids, and parents, to swim, to gain a confidence that will keep them safe in the ocean, but also encourage them to be better protectors of the ocean. Once they’ve swum here, seen the sandy bottom and the fish, they’ll become stewards of taking care of it.”
Earlier in the day, 17 mothers of the same group of children join for their first lesson. The lesson begins with simple steps. They start with feeling comfortable with their faces in the water. They learn to exhale through the nose and inhale through the mouth, and progress to floating on their backs. The sound of their laughter competes with that of the children.
Lead instructor for the swim programme is Nathan Tschohl from Diversity in Aquatics, a non-profit committed to reducing annual drowning statistics and to increasing diversity in the profile of swimmers worldwide. A staggering 1.2m people drown worldwide each year, a figure Nathan is determined to see fall. He looks satisfied as he waves the mothers off at the end of class. “This was 100 times more than I was hoping for. There was no fear among these women. They will go home and tell their friends and family. This could be a really important stepping stone.”
Meanwhile, it is the turn of the children. Nine year old Iraahath is not so sure as the mothers. She arrives in tears, probably afraid of the water, possibly feeling shy, yet within minutes she has her face in the water and excitement conquers fear. “Vaagi dhookollaa!”, her instructor tells her – relax!
Drying off over sweet pastries, the exhilarated children share stories of their first swimming lesson. Nine year old Ida has a huge smile. The slogan on her bright green t-shirt screams Don’t Look At Me but it is hard not too. She confidently tells me that today she was very scared when she put her face in the water for the first time but that at the end of two weeks she will be snorkelling on the reef. “I will go into the deep. Because I will learn!”
From December 10th to 14th, Siyam World Maldives will host an unforgettable event for tennis enthusiasts and sports lovers. In collaboration with LUX Tennis, the resort welcomes former World No. 7 and Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli for an exciting LUX Tennis Star Event, featuring private lessons, group clinics, and a Meet & Greet with the tennis legend.
After establishing itself as a premier destination for football camps and hosting some of the sport’s greatest players, Siyam World is now shifting focus to tennis, with Marion Bartoli as the latest star to join its roster of sports icons. Guests will have the opportunity to step onto the court with Bartoli herself, gaining insights and tips from one of the sport’s best, whether they’re experienced players or beginners looking to improve their skills.
In collaboration with LUX Tennis, the resort offers a diverse range of tennis activities, from private one-on-one lessons to energetic group clinics, catering to all levels of players. Additionally, a Complimentary Meet & Greet session provides fans with the chance to take photos, engage in conversation with Bartoli, and hear about her inspiring journey from professional player to tennis icon.
Marion Bartoli is a celebrated former professional tennis player from France, known for her unique playing style and remarkable career achievements. She captured the prestigious Wimbledon Championships singles title in 2013, becoming the sixth player in the Open Era to win the title without dropping a set. Bartoli was also a Wimbledon finalist in 2007 and reached the semifinals at the French Open in 2011. Throughout her career, she earned seven singles and three doubles titles on the WTA Tour. Recognised for her unconventional approach, she played with both hands on her forehand and backhand, distinguishing her from traditional players. Bartoli reached her career-high ranking of World No. 7 on January 30, 2012, and returned to this ranking on July 8, 2013, following her Wimbledon victory.
Ayada Maldives, renowned for its luxury experiences and stunning oceanic paradise, has introduced an exhilarating new way to explore the island’s turquoise waters: the Jet Car. This innovative, sports-car-inspired watercraft offers guests the ultimate blend of luxury and adventure, providing a one-of-a-kind experience in the Maldivian seas.
The Ayada Maldives Jet Car is more than just a ride; it represents an unforgettable thrill. Designed to resemble a sleek sports car, this watercraft glides effortlessly over the lagoon, offering an exhilarating way to explore the island’s pristine waters in style. Perfect for adventure seekers and luxury enthusiasts alike, the Jet Car presents an unmatched opportunity to experience the breathtaking views and vibrant marine life of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.
Guests embarking on the Jet Car adventure will feel the excitement as they cruise through Ayada’s stunning waters, creating waves and turning heads along the way. This unique watercraft is not only a visual spectacle but also easy to operate, making it accessible for both experienced water sports enthusiasts and those new to water-based adventures.
The Jet Car experience is available for booking at Ayada Maldives’ Watersports Center, with prices starting from $249 per ride. Each ride promises to be a highlight of any guest’s stay, providing an unbeatable blend of adrenaline and beauty that captures the essence of the Maldives.
Featured
One&Only Reethi Rah welcomes top tennis talents Iga Swiatek and Ugo Humbert for exclusive clinics
One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is offering tennis enthusiasts of all levels and ages a unique chance to meet and play with two of the world’s top players this November. In collaboration with the global tennis management company LUX Tennis, the resort will host Iga Swiatek, currently ranked No. 2, and Ugo Humbert, currently ranked No. 14, starting from November 21. The event will feature world-class showcases of their skills through clinics, private lessons, and exhibition matches at the exclusive private island resort.
Iga Swiatek, known for her aggressive, all-court play style, powerful serve, and exceptional speed, held the No. 1 ranking globally until recently. Originally from Poland and a favourite on the WTA Tour, she has won an impressive 22 singles titles, including the 2023 WTA Finals and ten WTA 1000 titles.
Ugo Humbert, celebrated for his strong serve and attacking approach, reached his career-high singles ranking of No. 13 in March 2021. Representing France, Humbert has shown his prowess across various ATP tours and ITF circuits, with a remarkable record of six ATP Tour titles from six finals.
The exciting visits of Iga and Ugo add to the tennis program at One&Only Reethi Rah, supported by resident LUX Tennis professionals. Guests can enjoy private lessons and friendly matches on the resort’s superb facilities, which include two floodlit tennis courts and a padel court, all set amidst the stunning Maldivian landscape.
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