By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Red Dolphins Lifeguard Association (RDLA) to strengthen safety along the country’s coastline and improve lifesaving services at beaches.
The signing ceremony, held at the GTBoard headquarters in Kotu, formalizes a longstanding working relationship between the two institutions aimed at enhancing beach safety within the Tourism Development Area (TDA).
As part of the initiative, the Tourism Board donated essential equipment to the Red Dolphins to support their lifesaving operations along the country’s beaches.
The agreement was signed by Ida Jeng Njie, Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, and Nuha Saidykhan, Secretary General of the Red Dolphins Lifeguard Association. The event was attended by senior officials of both institutions and key stakeholders, including Marion Nyang, Executive Secretary of the Gambia Hotel Association.
Speaking before the signing, Director General Njie described the occasion as a milestone for both organizations. She noted that while both institutions had collaborated informally for years, the new agreement provides a structured framework for professional 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, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding lives along the beaches.
She added that beach safety is vital for the country’s tourism industry, as 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,” she said, noting that the partnership represents a shared responsibility among institutions and stakeholders.
For his part, Nuha Saidykhan welcomed the agreement, describing it as a step that will strengthen the Red Dolphins’ lifesaving work. He highlighted the challenges of beach safety, noting the rise in drowning incidents in recent years.
“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 also emphasized the importance of community support and vigilance in reducing drowning incidents.
Marion Nyang commended the Tourism Board for initiating the partnership and praised the Red Dolphins for their commitment to protecting lives along the beaches.
The partnership is expected to further enhance beach safety measures while promoting The Gambia as a secure and attractive tourism destination.
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