As part of the initiative, the Tourism Board also donated a number of essential items to the lifeguard association to support and enhance its lifesaving operations along the country’s beaches.
The agreement was signed by Ida Jeng-Njie, Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, while Nuha Saidykhan, Secretary General of the Red Dolphins Lifeguard Association, signed on behalf of his organisation. The event was attended by key stakeholders including Marion Nyang, Executive Secretary of the Gambia Hotel Association, senior officials of the Tourism Board and members of the Red Dolphins Lifeguard Association.
Speaking shortly before the signing ceremony and the presentation of donated items, Director General Ida Jeng-Njie described the occasion as a milestone for both institutions.
“I sincerely thank you for accepting this Memorandum of Understanding. Today marks an important milestone for both the Red Dolphins Lifeguard Association and the Gambia Tourism Board,” she said.
She noted that although both institutions had collaborated for many years, the partnership had largely been informal. The new agreement, she explained, will now provide a structured and professional framework for cooperation.
“By accepting this MOU, we are demonstrating that we share a common goal, the safety and well-being of our country and its people,” she said, emphasising the importance of safeguarding lives along the country’s beaches.
According to her, beach safety is crucial to the country’s tourism industry, noting that The Gambia’s beaches remain one of its strongest attractions.
“We cannot promote our country to visitors if they do not feel safe on our beaches. The Gambia is known as the Smiling Coast of Africa because of its beautiful sandy beaches. If those beaches are not safe, it becomes difficult to promote them,” she added.
“This MOU marks the beginning of a meaningful and professional relationship. Like a child learning to crawl before walking, this is the starting point of something that will grow stronger over time,” she stated.
For his part, Nuha Saidykhan, Secretary General of the Red Dolphins Lifeguard Association, welcomed the agreement, describing it as a step that will strengthen their lifesaving work along the beaches.
He noted that beach safety remains a challenging task, especially in recent years when several drowning incidents were recorded.
“Being a good swimmer is one thing, but carrying out a rescue operation is something entirely different. Lifesaving requires courage, dedication and sacrifice,” he said.
Saidykhan emphasised the importance of supporting lifesaving initiatives, noting that “the life you save may be your own,” as victims could be anyone’s family member or loved one.
He also commended the cooperation of the public and lifeguards, noting that their continuous presence and vigilance have helped reduce drowning incidents in recent months.
Meanwhile, Marion Nyang, Executive Secretary of the Gambia Hotel Association, applauded the Tourism Board for initiating the partnership and commended the Red Dolphins Lifeguard Association for their dedication in protecting lives along the country’s beaches.
The partnership is expected to further strengthen beach safety measures while promoting The Gambia as a secure and attractive tourism destination.
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