Puri: In a dramatic rescue operation at Puri beach in Odisha, two teenage brothers were saved from drowning by the quick thinking and swift response of local lifeguards and members of a local photographers’ association on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident took place near Sector-4 in front of the Puri Hotel when two teenage tourist brothers, identified as 17-year-old Ayush Gupta and his 14-year-old brother Ayan from the Kantabanji area in Balangir district, were dragged into deep waters by a powerful rip current when they went into the sea to bathe. Seeing his younger brother get pulled under by the current, Ayush attempted to intervene, but both teenagers quickly found themselves helpless against the overpowering waves and were carried into the open ocean.
Local photographers present on the beach taking pictures were the first to notice the struggling youths and immediately raised an alarm. Responding instantly to the cries for help, three local lifeguards joined forces with members of the local photographers’ association and plunged into the turbulent waters. The rescuers managed to reach the teenagers in time and pull them safely back to shore. Since Ayan had swallowed a significant amount of seawater during the ordeal, both brothers were rushed to a nearby hospital. Following prompt medical treatment, both Ayush and Ayan stabilised, and were reported to be in good health.
The near-miss highlights a persistent danger along Odisha’s coast, where treacherous rip currents routinely put tourists at risk. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Odisha recorded 10,383 drowning deaths between 2020 and 2024, of which 9,149 were classified as accidental.
In response, the Odisha state government has launched an extensive safety initiative, identifying and mapping 169 drowning-prone “black spots” across the state’s beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and reservoirs. Chief Secretary Anu Garg instructed departments to scientifically map these hazardous zones, order warning signage, install physical barriers, and launch statewide safety awareness campaigns targeting children and youth.
As part of the structural rollout, the government plans to deploy 3,420 home guards as trained lifeguards across these critical zones. “aAjoint assessment by the state fire services and tourism department recommended deploying home guards who have completed specialised training at the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) in Chandrabhaga,” Umashankar Dash, inspector general of police, F&ES, told TOI.
The first phase will see 1,010 personnel undergo specialised lifesaving training at OSWALI before being posted to high-footfall tourist sites. Complementing this effort, basic lifeguarding skills are also being taught to local gram panchayat residents to ensure rapid, community-led response during sudden emergencies.
