Swimming pigs rules, safety and welfare

The swimming pigs are friendly, curious and very hungry, which is why the rules exist. Most of them protect the pigs; a couple protect you.

What happened in 2017

Early in 2017 at least seven pigs on Big Major Cay died. Veterinarians found large amounts of sand in their stomachs: visitors had been throwing food onto the beach, and an unusually dry winter had dried up the pigs' fresh water. Early reports blamed tourists giving the pigs alcohol; the vets pointed to the sand. The colony recovered with help from Staniel Cay residents and volunteers, who added feeding troughs, water tanks with guttering, piglet nurseries and regular vet visits from Nassau.

The rules

• Feed in the water, never on the sand. A pig eating off the beach swallows sand with every bite.
• Only fruit, vegetables or pig feed. Never alcohol, chips, sweets or processed food.
• Flat palm or feeding stick. Do not hold food above a pig's head so it jumps or snaps.
• No riding, chasing or grabbing. Let the crew hand you a piglet if holding is allowed.
• Take your rubbish back to the boat. Pigs eat what they find.

Staying safe yourself

Pigs have poor eyesight and a great sense of smell, so they may mistake a phone or a bag for lunch; keep snacks sealed until feeding time and your phone on a lanyard. Adult boars can be heavy and pushy in the water, so keep small children behind you when they arrive, and listen to the crew. Nips happen, almost always at feeding time. On Nassau tours the crews manage feeding closely, which is one reason they suit young families; see Nassau or Exuma.