Puri: Training is underway at Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) in Chandrabhaga, where a pioneering batch of 25 women is receiving comprehensive physical, rescue, and first-aid instruction to become Odisha’s first female beach lifeguards.
This landmark joint initiative by the Odisha Tourism Department and the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services breaks traditional gender barriers, preparing the recruits for active coastal deployment along Puri Beach and other major water-tourism destinations, rivers, and waterfalls across the state.
The specialised curriculum covers surf rescue, open-water and underwater navigation, swimming pool rescue, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and immediate emergency first aid. Based on internationally benchmarked life-saving standards managed under the direction of OSWALI’s water-based adventure and sports administration, the course ensures rigorous instruction. Upon successfully passing their final assessments, the trainees will receive formal professional licensing from the National Institute of Watersports, standardsing lifesaving operations under an agreement signed in July between state authorities and the institute to promote safe, responsible water tourism.
Deploying female lifeguards addresses critical safety, operational, and cultural challenges along Puri’s popular 9-km coastline. The sea conditions in Puri are frequently dangerous due to sudden depth changes, strong high waves, and powerful rip currents that pull unsuspecting bathers out to sea. Despite red-flag warnings posted at high-risk locations, tourists frequently venture past safe markers, making a proactive lifeguard presence essential. Previously, rescue operations relied exclusively on a male-dominated force of nearly 100 lifeguards.
State officials, local residents, and visitors note that male guards have faced delicate and uncomfortable situations when issuing warnings or physically intervening during emergencies involving female bathers. The induction of women will allow female tourists and children to feel significantly more comfortable receiving physical rescue assistance, seeking safety advice, and reporting concerns, thereby improving overall operational efficiency and confidence in the water.
“Deploying trained women lifeguards will make such operations more comfortable and effective. More women and men lifeguards will be deployed in the coming days to strengthen tourist safety,” said Assistant Fire Officer at Puri Fire Station Prabhat Kumar Raut.
This groundbreaking deployment forms a core element of a broader coastal security infrastructure overhaul. Beyond introducing women to the force, the state’s comprehensive safety framework includes establishing 24 watchtowers, setting up 20 rescue centres, designating clear safe bathing zones between the Sterling Hotel and Penthakata beach, and supplying teams with modern rescue equipment.
Official sources confirm that while expanding male and female lifeguard units will greatly bolster rescue capabilities, public compliance with safety warnings remains paramount to preventing drownings.
