Mahodadhi Divas: Operation India 2024 Recap
The International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) recently completed another successful operation in India, supporting Mahodadhi Divas—an incredible and large-scale event held on Puri Beach, located along the Bay of Bengal. This year’s mission marked a significant step in advancing lifesaving development in the region, reinforcing ISLA’s commitment to empowering local lifeguards and ensuring water safety at major events.
A Global Team for a Global Mission
The ISLA team for this operation consisted of five dedicated volunteer lifeguards from Argentina, the USA, and Australia. Led by experienced Marine Safety Captain Jonathan Robinson, the team worked closely with local lifeguards to enhance water safety measures throughout Mahodadhi Divas. Working with lifeguards from diverse backgrounds allowed for a rich exchange of knowledge, techniques, and experiences, strengthening the global lifesaving community.
The ISLA volunteers arrived in Puri Beach days before the event, preparing for their role in supporting the festival. They collaborated with local lifeguards to assess the event’s safety needs, strategize rescue plans, and ensure that all water-based activities had sufficient safety coverage. From early morning briefings to late-night evaluations, the ISLA team worked tirelessly to refine protocols and maximize efficiency.
Supporting Water Safety at Mahodadhi Divas
Mahodadhi Divas featured a variety of aquatic and endurance events, including swimming, paddleboarding, run-swim-run competitions, and kayaking. The ISLA team played a crucial role in organizing water security, ensuring the safety of participants and spectators alike. Their presence provided reassurance to event organizers, competitors, and visitors who had gathered from across India and beyond.
Beyond event support, ISLA volunteers conducted training sessions with local lifeguards, reinforcing essential rescue techniques and refining their lifesaving skills. These sessions covered advanced rescue maneuvers, CPR refreshers, and situational awareness exercises. The hands-on approach allowed lifeguards to strengthen their response times and improve their ability to handle emergency situations effectively.
Strengthening Lifesaving in India
This operation was an essential milestone for the development of lifesaving in India. Mahodadhi Divas provided local lifeguards with an opportunity to showcase their abilities to the public, government authorities, and the global lifesaving community. Their dedication and progress demonstrated the potential for a more structured and effective lifesaving system in India.
ISLA recognizes the immense potential of Indian lifeguards and is committed to helping them develop into world-class lifesavers. The festival was an important platform for building awareness about water safety and advocating for improved lifesaving infrastructure. By working alongside local authorities and communities, ISLA aims to establish a stronger foundation for lifesaving programs in India.
Cultural Immersion & Local Engagement
One of the most rewarding aspects of ISLA operations is the cultural exchange that takes place. India is a country rich in history, traditions, and hospitality, and the ISLA team embraced every opportunity to connect with the local community. From exploring ancient temples to enjoying the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, the volunteers were immersed in the unique beauty of India.
Local lifeguards warmly welcomed the ISLA team, sharing stories of their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. These interactions fostered deep connections and mutual respect, strengthening the partnership between ISLA and the Indian lifesaving community. The event was not just about training and safety—it was about building relationships that will last beyond the operation
Lessons Learned & Looking Ahead
As ISLA’s first time supporting a large-scale event like Mahodadhi Divas, the operation provided invaluable learning experiences for both the volunteers and local lifeguards. Seeing the evolution of past ISLA Academy graduates in action was a rewarding experience, reaffirming the impact of ISLA’s ongoing efforts in the region.
The event highlighted the need for continued support in lifesaving education, equipment donations, and infrastructure improvements. ISLA remains committed to returning to India to further assist in training, expanding water safety initiatives, and supporting lifeguard development. The lessons learned from this operation will help shape future missions, ensuring even greater success in upcoming collaborations.
Join Us for the Next ISLA Operation
India remains a special destination for ISLA, not only because of its need for lifesaving development but also due to the warmth of its people, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning temples. We look forward to returning for future operations and invite you to join us in making a difference in the global lifesaving community.
Whether you’re an experienced lifeguard or someone passionate about water safety, there’s a place for you on the ISLA team. Be part of the change, contribute to lifesaving efforts, and experience the incredible rewards of volunteering with ISLA
Stay tuned for upcoming ISLA operations, and if you’re interested in being part of our mission, we encourage you to get involved. See you on the next adventure!