I had a constructive meeting with the Surf Life Saving Association of Mauritius (SLSAM), led by its president Mr. Viraj Ramharai, at the State House yesterday.
A timely visit amid the rise in drowning and lost-at-sea incidents that are affecting our people and families.
I have taken stock of the association’s activities; its progress from volunteer beach patrols in 2007 to a nationally recognized force for lifesaving professionalism, as well as its international collaboration through membership at the International Life Saving Federation (ILS).
We exchanged views on the urgent need to raise awareness about risks for surfers and the need to establish appropriate safety legislation to protect lives and promote environmental friendly and sustainable practices connected with the sea.
We also discussed the need to strengthen community engagement and capacity building in water safety to advance our collective efforts toward a resilient blue economy.