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UNDERWATER FEATURE<br />
Take the<br />
plunge<br />
WORDS ADELE VERDIER-ALI, PHOTOS SHAAHINA ALI<br />
The Maldivian sea is brimming with life,<br />
colour and beauty - follow these tips<br />
and stay safe out there!<br />
When in the Maldives, it’s easy to forget<br />
that the entire country is built on a living,<br />
growing foundation. The reason for the<br />
country’s entire existence is the presence of<br />
the coral reefs upon which the islands were<br />
formed so many millions of years ago, and which today<br />
encircle all but one of the Maldives 1,190 isles. The<br />
Maldives is a coral nation, making it not only fragile but<br />
also utterly beautiful.<br />
Many of these living, developing and changing coral<br />
reefs lie only metres below the surface, at the edge<br />
of shallow lagoons. They swarm with life. Fish of all<br />
colours, shapes and sizes stream through the warm<br />
tropical waters. Coral reefs may only cover 1% of the<br />
ocean floor, but an estimated 25% of all marine life<br />
inhabits these ecosystems. Turtles, reef sharks, and<br />
rays all cohabit these stretches of natural, underwater<br />
fortifications. As such, spending hours drifting along<br />
the drop-off, observing this frenetic, subaquatic world<br />
is a must when holidaying the Maldives.<br />
Snorkelling. With water temperatures hovering<br />
about 27°C, it’s one of the Maldives’ simplest<br />
pleasures. Yet, with all things, there are always<br />
precautions worth taking to make sure you stay safe.<br />
To ensure that your time snorkelling at Coco Collection<br />
resorts is the magical experience it should be, be<br />
careful to follow these simple steps whilst in the water.<br />
If you’ve never swum in the ocean or used snorkelling<br />
equipment before, make sure you inform the dive or<br />
water sports centre before going in the water. The<br />
trained staff will help you choose the right equipment<br />
(including a life jacket, if necessary) and speak to you<br />
about safety. Also, we highly recommend you join a<br />
guided snorkelling trip before entering the water alone.<br />
Never swim alone. Always make sure you swim with<br />
a buddy. If you are in a group, assign yourself a buddy<br />
before entering the water and make sure you keep<br />
them within sight at all times. This will make you feel<br />
safer and lowers the chance of problems arising.<br />
Make sure you are familiar with your equipment.<br />
Ensure you have the correct size fins, that your mask<br />
fits correctly and doesn’t leak and that your snorkel<br />
is attached in the proper manner. This will make<br />
your snorkelling experience more enjoyable and<br />
comfortable.<br />
Be aware of the ocean. There are currents in the ocean,<br />
and their strength and direction change all the time.<br />
Pay attention to the currents, the waves and the swell<br />
and be conscious of the direction you are headed. Do<br />
not head too far out or you might get tired when<br />
it comes to returning to the beach. If you feel like<br />
conditions are changing, head back to the shore.<br />
Don’t touch or step on any marine life. The coral reefs<br />
here are extremely fragile and take a long time to grow<br />
even a small amount. By ensuring you don’t touch<br />
them, you are protecting them for years to come, as<br />
well as preventing possible cuts or injuries to yourself.<br />
Take care of yourself. Remember to stay hydrated,<br />
protected from the sun with either a high factor<br />
sunscreen or UV resistant clothing (sunscreen can<br />
be harmful to corals, so we recommend you choose<br />
clothing where possible and additional sunscreen on<br />
exposed skin). Stay within your and your buddy’s limits<br />
and comfort zones.<br />
www.cococollection.com<br />
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