Operation India:
Puri Beach, Odisha
In 2016, ISLA began collaborating with Pokal Hari, General Secretary and Founder of the Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS), to support lifesavers and firefighters at Puri Beach, a rapidly growing tourist destination with challenging ocean conditions and a history of preventable 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 to conduct an Instructor Academy and Basic Ocean Lifeguard Academy, further strengthening local training capacity and professional standards.
During Operation India 2024, ISLA volunteers participated as International Water Safety Ambassadors at Mahodadhi Divas, a three-day festival celebrating coastal heritage and highlighting the vital role of lifeguards in protecting beach communities.
ISLA’s 4th operation in India builds on nearly a decade of collaboration and focuses on advanced training, instructor development, and sustainable program growth—continuing ISLA’s commitment to empowering Indian lifesavers through education, partnership, and global knowledge exchange.
Stories from the frontlines #islaindia
Operation India
Late November 2026
Planning
Join ISLA in India and play a direct role in training the next generation of lifesavers along one of the world’s most challenging and dynamic coastlines.
India’s expansive coastline, growing tourism, and complex ocean conditions demand highly trained, professional lifeguards. Through its long-standing partnership with the Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS), ISLA has spent nearly a decade supporting lifesavers and firefighters through education, mentorship, and international collaboration.
Operation India 2026 is a training-focused mission centered on advancing professional standards through structured instruction, hands-on skill development, and instructor mentorship. Building on the success of previous academies in 2018 and 2023, ISLA volunteers will deliver targeted training designed to strengthen local capacity and support long-term program sustainability.
While past operations included participation as International Water Safety Ambassadors at Mahodadhi Divas, Operation India 2026 shifts its primary focus to intensive training—providing volunteers the opportunity to teach, mentor, and collaborate closely with Indian lifesavers in a high-impact learning environment.
Beyond the training, volunteers will experience India’s rich culture and coastal communities, forming lasting connections while contributing meaningfully to lifesaving development.
Important Dates & Itinerary
Early July 2026
Applications open
Mid July 2026
Selected volunteers notified
Late July 2026
$250 Non-refundable deposit & $50 membership due
Early August 2026
Airfare purchase due
Mid August 2026
Travel insurance submission due
Late August 2026
$500 non-refundable project donation due
Early September 2026
ISLA Exams Due
TBA
Arrive Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) (AKA Bhubaneswar)
TBA
Tour/Preparation Day
TBA
Conduct ISLA Basic Open Water Course
TBA
Tour Day
TBA
Depart Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) (AKA Bhubaneswar), or travel on your own
Operation Donation Amount
$750 USD
Included in the Operation Donation
- Lodging for the duration of the operation
- Lunch during Volunteer Instructor Portions (approximately 3 days)
- In-country ground transportation
- Full ISLA uniform
- Equipment donations
NOT Included in the Operation Donation
- Round Trip Airfare to (BBI) Bhubaneswar International Airport (tickets from LAX range from $1000 – $1300)
- 1 Year ISLA Membership
- 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.