Snorkelling and Swimming Safety in the Indian Ocean

Snorkelling and Swimming Safety in the Indian Ocean

Can you swim anywhere in the Maldives?

The short answer is no. Many resorts feature a house reef, which guests are welcome to explore freely, and you’ll likely receive a resort map at the start of your stay highlighting snorkelling channels and the location of the house reef, if available.

For resorts without a house reef, there are often regular boat trips to nearby snorkelling spots. The resort map will also indicate areas with strong currents, boat jetties with frequent traffic, and zones designated for water sports to help ensure your safety while swimming.

Should I wear a life jacket?

A life jacket isn’t essential if you’re a confident swimmer, but it’s worth considering if you’re not strong in the water or are unaccustomed to swimming for extended periods, as snorkelling sessions can last an hour or more.

For young children, it’s advisable to use a floating device, and they should always be accompanied in the water.

Some resorts require life jackets to be worn during speedboat transfers or snorkelling trips by boat for added safety. Life jackets are typically available for hire at resort dive centres, or you can bring your own inflatable armbands or pool noodles. If you or your child are new to snorkelling, practising in the swimming pool or even the bathtub beforehand can help build confidence.

Should we swim in pairs in the ocean?

Yes, it’s always advisable to swim in pairs in the sea, even if you’re a confident swimmer. Having a companion ensures that help is readily available in case of an emergency, such as strong currents, cramps, or sudden fatigue. Additionally, never swim, snorkel, or scuba dive after consuming alcohol, as it impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. Safety should always be the top priority when enjoying the ocean’s beauty.

At what age can children snorkel?

While it’s often recommended to wait until a child is 5 or 6 years old to begin snorkelling, there is no official minimum age limit. The key is ensuring the child is ready and comfortable. A well-fitted mask is essential, as it prevents water from seeping in and allows the child to focus on breathing through the snorkel without distractions. If they can breathe easily and remain calm while using the snorkel, they’re ready to give it a try in the ocean.

However, it’s important to introduce snorkelling gradually. Starting in a shallow, calm swimming pool or a gentle lagoon can help children gain confidence before venturing into deeper water. Supervision is crucial, and a flotation device such as a life jacket or pool noodle can provide extra safety. Make the experience fun and pressure-free, encouraging them to explore at their own pace while staying close by. With the right preparation, snorkelling can become an exciting and memorable activity for children of all ages.

Read more about Snorkelling Safely with Young Children.

Flag warning system

Familiarise yourself with general safety in the Maldives, including the warning systems used on the islands. Many resorts follow standard beach flag systems to indicate swimming conditions, so it’s important to understand their meanings and know where to find them on the island.

The flag colours worth remembering are:

• Green = Safe to swim/Low hazard – calm conditions
• Yellow = Caution/Medium Hazard – light surf or currents
• Red = High hazard – Strong surf or currents, rough conditions
• Double red flag = Dangerous conditions – DO NOT SWIM
• Purple Flag = Marine pest present – DO NOT SWIM

Are there dangerous animals in the Indian Ocean?

Swimming in the Maldives is generally considered very safe, but it’s important to be mindful of the marine environment and its inhabitants. Teaching children not to touch or step on coral is essential, as coral, despite its plant-like appearance, is an animal with a rough, rock-like surface that can cause painful cuts if trodden on. Some coral species can also sting, causing rashes, so it’s best to avoid contact and leave any washed-up coral on the beach untouched.

While creatures like jellyfish, sea snakes, and poisonous fish are present in the Indian Ocean, they are rarely encountered near reefs where swimming and snorkelling occur. If you do come across one, calmly move away, as these animals are unlikely to harm you unless they feel threatened. Observing marine life from a safe distance and respecting the underwater ecosystem ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

The sharks in the Maldives are generally non-aggressive and pose no threat unless provoked. There are no great white sharks, and species like whale sharks—which are neither true sharks nor whales—are filter feeders that consume small fish and plankton, making them harmless to humans.

However, it’s critical to avoid swimming with sharks that have been fed by humans. This illegal practice disrupts their natural behaviour, making them associate humans with food and increasing the risk of aggressive encounters. The Maldivian government has banned shark feeding to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the safety of visitors, promoting a more natural and respectful interaction with these majestic creatures.

Visit our Wildlife in the Maldives page for more information on specific wildlife, including sharks, jellyfish, and sea snakes along with images so you know what to look out for.

Strong currents

What is a backwash?

A backwash is the pulling sensation of a wave as it flows back into the sea. This force can be quite strong, sometimes knocking people over or pulling them into deeper water. It’s recommended to hold young children’s hands when paddling in the sea or jumping over waves to ensure their safety.

What is a rip current?

Rip currents, often mistakenly referred to as riptides, are strong, narrow currents that can swiftly pull swimmers from shallow shoreline waters into much deeper areas of the sea.

How are rip currents created?

Rip currents form when water pushed toward the shore by breaking waves needs to flow back out to sea. This often happens between two wave regions where the water level is uneven. As waves break and push water onto the shore, the higher water level seeks a way to return to the lower water level offshore. When these flows converge in a narrow pathway, they create a strong, fast-moving current that rushes away from the shore, forming a rip current.

Are they always in the same spot?

Rip currents can form wherever there are breaking waves. While they often recur in the same locations, they can also appear and disappear suddenly at various points along the beach. These currents are commonly found near sandbars, piers, or gaps in the shoreline where water is funnelled outward.

How to spot a rip current?

Spotting a rip current can be challenging, especially at sea level, as in the Maldives. Look for areas where two distinct wave patterns break on the shore, with a seemingly calmer stretch of water between them—that calmer area is often a rip current. Another clue is a difference in water colour, where sand or debris is being churned up and carried outward. You might also notice foam or seaweed being pulled away from the shore. Observing these signs from the beach, rather than while in the water, makes it easier to identify a rip current and avoid it.

How do I know if I’m caught in a rip current?

Recognising that you’re in a rip current is crucial for your safety. It will feel like you are being forcefully pulled away from the shore and out to sea, sometimes creating the sensation of being dragged underwater. If you find yourself swimming toward the beach but noticing that you’re moving further away from the shoreline instead, you are likely caught in a rip current. The pull can be strong and relentless, making it difficult to swim directly back to shore. Recognising these signs early can help you take the right steps to escape safely.

Can a rip current pull me under water?

A rip current cannot pull you underwater directly, as it is a horizontal flow of water moving away from the shore, not a downward force. However, the current is typically stronger just below the surface, about a foot from the bottom, which can make it feel as though it’s pulling you under, especially if you’re trying to stand in shallow water. This sensation, combined with the current's strength, can lead to panic, causing swimmers to struggle and tire quickly.

What do I do if I’m caught in a rip current?

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, staying calm is essential. Float to conserve energy and avoid panicking, as rip currents are not inherently dangerous if you handle them correctly. Do not try to swim directly back to shore against the current, as this will only exhaust you with little progress. Instead, relax and swim parallel to the shoreline, as rip currents are often narrow, and this is the quickest way to escape. Once free from the current, use the breaking waves to guide you back to the beach. If you need assistance, call and wave for help to alert others.