In Mayotte, lifeguard training begins in the lagoon, combining rigorous drills with the island's natural beauty and urgent need for water safety.
Training begins at dawn
In the lagoon near Dzaoudzi, lifeguard trainees start their day before 7 a.m. at the camp of the 5th Foreign Regiment (RE). The regiment's facilities are already active, and the candidates for training arrive gradually, some traveling from Grande-Terre by barge and others from nearby Petite-Terre. Preparation for the water
By 7:30 a.m., the trainees are dressed in swimsuits and training T-shirts, adjusting their goggles and heading to the floating dock. Their trainer, Franck, is on standby, having set up a line of water for the exercises. The session begins with a warm-up of 300 meters of freestyle swimming. A unique training environment
The lagoon offers an unusual training setting with clear water and marine life such as sea turtles, tortoises, and sergeant-major fish. Franck comments on the contrast between the beauty of the location and the difficulty of the exercises. The training is intense, with up to 3,000 meters of swimming daily from Monday to Friday. Challenges in Mayotte
In Mayotte, lifeguard training faces specific challenges. Many candidates lack access to regular swimming facilities, with the only public pool in Majikavo closed since a cyclone. Franck notes that trainees must learn everything from scratch, as the environment imposes its own constraints, such as limited access to fresh water for practice. A broader mission
The training goes beyond obtaining a diploma. The National Federation of Swimming and Sports Professions (FNMNS) aims to address the island’s need for rescue and first aid. With thirteen selected candidates, the program includes swimming, regulations, and first aid training, leading to the lifeguard instructor diploma. A commitment to the island
Trainees like Madi Ben Kader see the program as an opportunity to act for their island. He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the risks of the lagoon and the need for trained professionals. Despite the demanding nature of the training, he believes the effort is worthwhile for the island's safety. Infrastructure and future needs
While the training is underway, the lack of fully operational rescue infrastructure remains a concern. Projects like the rescue post in Sakouli and the free water pool in Bandrélé require trained personnel to be effective. Sergeant-chef Jason Alejandro highlights the importance of training locals to become lifeguards and to support community safety efforts. A shared responsibility
As the sun rises over the lagoon, trainees continue their practice, adjusting their techniques and pushing through the challenges. Madi reflects on the deeper purpose of the training, linking it to a sense of responsibility and identity tied to the island and its people.
