Operation India:
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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 operators 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 fourth operation in India builds on nearly a decade of collaboration and marks an important milestone in the organization’s long-term development strategy. The operation will support a team of ISLA-trained Puri Beach lifeguards as they lead an ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy in Visakhapatnam, with ISLA volunteers providing mentorship, technical guidance, and quality assurance. This collaborative approach reinforces sustainable program growth while continuing ISLA’s commitment to empowering Indian lifesavers through education, partnership, and global knowledge exchange.
Stories from the frontlines #islaindia
Operation India
November 22-30, 2026
APPLY NOW!
Location
India:Visakhapatnam, India
Information
Applications Open: July 6, 2026
Applications Close: August 2, 2026
Applicants Notified: by August 3, 2026
Operation Leader: Aurelio Norte
ISLA Gnar-Factor 4.0
Max Number of Volunteers: 10
Cost: Cost: Airfare + $750 USD
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 challenging ocean conditions highlight the need for well-trained, professional open water lifeguards. Through its long-standing partnership with the Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS), ISLA has spent nearly a decade supporting lifesavers and firefighters across India through education, mentorship, and international collaboration.
Operation India 2026 will focus on assisting a team of ISLA-trained Puri Beach lifeguards as they conduct an ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy in Visakhapatnam, India. This operation represents an important milestone in ISLA’s long-term development strategy, as locally trained instructors take the lead in delivering an ISLA academy with mentorship and support from the international volunteer team.
ISLA operators will work alongside the Puri Beach instructors by providing technical guidance, instructor mentorship, quality assurance, and hands-on assistance throughout the academy. This collaborative approach strengthens local instructional capacity, reinforces standardized training practices, and advances the long-term sustainability of professional lifeguard education in India.
Beyond the academy, ISLA operators will have the opportunity to experience India’s rich culture and coastal communities while building lasting relationships with local lifesavers and contributing to the continued growth of the country’s lifesaving programs.
Important Dates & Itinerary
July 6, 2026
Applications open
August 3, 2026
Selected volunteers notified
August 9, 2026
$250 Non-refundable deposit & $50 membership due
August 16, 2026
Airfare purchase due
August 30, 2026
Travel insurance submission due
September 13, August 2026
$500 non-refundable operation donation due
September 27, 2026
ISLA Exams Due
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Arrive in Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
November 23-24, 2026
Preparation Days
November 25-27, 2026
Conduct ISLA Basic Open Water Course
November 28, 2026
Graduation / Tour Day
November 29, 2026
Tour / Travel Day
Monday, November 30, 2026
Depart Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ) 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 (VTZ) Visakhapatnam 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.