In 2016, ISLA begins talks with Pokal Hari, the General Secretary and Founder of Kalinga Surf Life Saving, to find ways to support lifesavers and fire fighters in the region. Puri Beach is a growing tourist destination for the area, and with its strong surfing waves, currents and annual seaside festivals, it has also been a place plagued by drownings.
ISLA successfully completed its first operation in India in 2018, partnering with Kalinga Surf Life Saving to support the region’s lifesavers and firefighters. ISLA provided a three-day training course and critical lifesaving supplies to improve the situation at Puri Beach.
ISLA is returning to India in 2023 for an Instructor Academy and a Basic Ocean Lifeguard Academy, providing further training to the region’s lifesavers and firefighters. Join ISLA in India to save lives and share your skills.
Stories from the frontlines #islaindia
Operation India
Early December 2024
COMMING SOON
Location
India: Odisha, Puri Beach
Information
Application Window: Fall 2024
Early October 2024
Late October 2024
Operation Leader: MSO Jonathan Robinson
ISLA Gnar-Factor 3.75
Max Number of Volunteers: 10
Cost: TBD
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.
That’s where ISLA comes in. In 2016, we began talks to support lifesaving in the eastern region, and we are excited to announce that in October of this year, we will be partnering with the Kalinga Surf Lifesaving team to provide a two-day Basic Instructor Academy and a three-day Basic Open Water Academy for lifeguards in the region and the country.
But it’s not just about training – after the operation, 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
June 26th, 2023
Applications Open
July 30th, 2023
Selected Volunteers Notified
July 31st, 2023
$250 non-refundable deposit & membership due
August 20th, 2023
Airfare purchase due
September 10th, 2023
$700 non-refundable project donation due
Wednesday, October 4th, 2023
Travel to / Arrive Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) (AKA Bhubaneswar)
Oct 5th
Travel to Puri, check beach conditions, prepare
Oct 6 - 7th
Two Day Train-the-Trainer Academy
Oct 8th
Rest Day / Preparation for Basic Academy
Oct 9 - 11
Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy
Oct 12
Travel Puri and Travel back to Bhubaneswar
Friday, October 13th, 2023
Depart Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) (AKA Bhubaneswar), or travel on your own
Operation Donation Amount
$950
Included in the Operation Donation
- Lodging for the duration of the project
- Lunch during the lifeguard training portion (approximately 1/2 the trip)
- In-country ground transportation unless traveling from Kolkata where you’ll need to book your own train ticket
- 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.