Operation India:
Puri Beach, Odisha
In 2016, ISLA began collaborating with Pokal Hari, General Secretary of the Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS), to support lifesavers and firefighters at Puri Beach, a growing tourist destination plagued by drownings
ISLA’s first operation in India took place in 2018, delivering lifesaving equipment and a three-day training course for local rescuers. In 2023, ISLA returned for an Instructor Academy and Basic Ocean Lifeguard Academy to further train lifesavers.
In 2024, ISLA will participate as International Ambassadors in Mahodadhi Divas, a three-day festival celebrating coastal heritage and the vital role of lifeguards.
Stories from the frontlines #islaindia
Operation India
December 7-14, 2024
Applications Closed
Location
India:Puri Beach, India
Information
Application Window: Oct 22 - Nov 2
Applications Due: November 2, 2024
Before November 3, 2024
Operation Leader: MSO Jonathan Robinson
ISLA Gnar-Factor 3.75
Max Number of Volunteers: 10
Cost: $500 USD
Get ready to take your skills to one of the oldest and most vibrant civilizations on Earth: INDIA!
Discover the magic of India – a vast and diverse country with a rich history dating back 5 millennia, and over 1 billion people calling it home. But unfortunately, with its incredible coastline and seaside festivities, India has also seen a growing epidemic of drownings.
ISLA’s collaborations with Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS) have already brought transformative benefits to the water safety landscape in India. Our previous operations, including the 2018 and 2023 training academies, demonstrated ISLA’s unmatched dedication to improving water safety, professionalism, and lifeguard capabilities. For Mahodadhi Divas 2024, KSLSS aims to deepen this partnership by requesting ISLA’s participation with an expanded team of lifeguards, trainers, and experts. This event will bring together around 300 participants, including lifeguards and officials from various parts of India. ISLA’s involvement is essential for training and supervising such a large and diverse group, ensuring that the 3-day ocean event runs smoothly and maintains its high standards of professionalism.
Mahodadhi Divas is more than a celebration—it showcases the strong foundation KSLSS has built in the lifeguarding community. ISLA will lead advanced workshops to enhance lifeguard skills, share insights on global surf lifesaving trends during panel discussions, and collaborate with local lifeguards and firefighters to strengthen Puri’s coastal safety. The event will conclude with a gala dinner on December 12th, celebrating our collective achievements.
But it’s not just about lifeguarding – after the Mahodadhi Divas Festival, our team will have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the region with our new friends and volunteers from around the globe. This is an incredible opportunity to visit a new place, meet amazing people, and share your lifesaving skills to help protect lives.
Join ISLA in India and be a part of something special – where adventure, culture, and lifesaving come together in a truly unique experience. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to make a difference and create unforgettable memories!
Important Dates & Itinerary
October 22, 2024
Applications open
Before November 3, 2024
Selected volunteers notified
November 3, 2024
$250 Non-refundable deposit & $50 membership due
November 10, 2024
Airfare purchase due
November 17, 2024
Travel insurance submission due
November 24th, 2024
$250 non-refundable project donation due
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Arrive Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) (AKA Bhubaneswar)
Dec 8-9th
Tour/Preparation Days
Dec 10-11
Mahodadhi Divas 2024 Event
Dec 12th
Mahodadhi Divas 2024 Event / Evening Gala
Dec 13th
Tour Day
Saturday, December 14th, 2024
Depart Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) (AKA Bhubaneswar), or travel on your own
Operation Donation Amount
$500
Included in the Operation Donation
- Lodging for the duration of the project
- Lunch during the Mahodadhi Divas 2024 Event portion (approximately 1/3 the trip)
- In-country ground transportation
- 1 Year ISLA Membership
- Full ISLA uniform
- Equipment donations
NOT Included in the Operation Donation
- Airfare Bhubaneswar International (BBI) Airport (tickets from LAX range from $1000 – $1300)
- Visa Fee (varies by country)
- Optional extended travel
- Emergency travel insurance (required)
Language Requirement
*There is no language requirement for this project, although lifeguards who are bilingual in Odia and have training experience will be given priority in the application process.
What else is included?
Transportation: we work with our hosts, close relationships and sponsors, etc. to get this covered. Usually for the entire trip from airport to airport
Food: We work with our host, sponsorship, and friends to cover food during the work portions of ths trip. usually about half of the meals are covered for the whole trip
Housing: We work with sponsord, our hosts, etc. to get this sponsored during the work portions of the trip.
Experience: ISLA trips are generally cheaper than typical Travel, and allow you to make lifeling friends while making a difference. you ALSO gain professional knowledge of others while sharing your own skills.