Morocco Launches Beach Safety and Cleanliness Initiative for Summer 2024

Responding to a councilor’s question about the measures taken to ensure the safety and cleanliness of Moroccan beaches during the summer period, Abdelouafi Laftit said he had sent a circular to the walis and governors calling on them to adopt a specifications book for beach management, create regional committees and issue authorizations for economic and commercial activities in accordance with the beach use and management plans. According to his explanations, his department continues to monitor the implementation of the provisions of the joint circular with the Ministry of Equipment and Water on the management and protection of beaches by local authorities, by organizing national and regional meetings to coordinate the efforts of the various stakeholders for a good preparation of the summer season. This includes the partnership between these actors for the development and management of beaches, the establishment of governance systems and the appointment of beach managers.

Deferring to the instructions of King Mohammed VI, his department, in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, is supporting local authorities in improving beach management, particularly those under the "Clean Beaches" program, which number 106, the minister said. Another major action: his department is implementing a complementary program to the "Clean Beaches" program to provide technical and financial support to local authorities in the development and animation of beaches not covered by the aforementioned program, particularly with regard to improving their cleanliness and strengthening security, by providing logistical means and strengthening the capacities of lifeguards. This will allow these beaches to eventually join this program. In total, 60 local authorities are benefiting from financial support of 627 million dirhams.

This year, the number of beaches open to the public has increased to 231, Laftit also said, adding that his department has organized competitions to recruit 3,315 lifeguards for the current season, secure the beaches and optimize the means of intervention in order to accelerate rescue operations. He also mentions the provision of 15 additional ambulances in addition to 50 rescue boats, 52 jet skis, 9 beach quads, 262 life jackets and other equipment. Not to mention the publication of an awareness guide containing the instructions to be followed to ensure the safety of all vacationers.