ISLA | India 2023

3 DAY BASIC INSTRUCTOR TRAINING 3 DAY BASIC OPEN WATER LIFEGUARD

ISLA Training Operation

ISLA INDIA 2023

HEAR FROM HOST & ISLA LEADERSHIP STORIES FROM THE FIELD LIFEGUARDING IN INDIA INDIAN CUISINE | TRAVEL | TOUR

From the Host

As a result, we have nurtured a safer haven for the beach-loving public and surf enthusiasts, ensuring that enjoyment of the ocean goes hand-in-hand with wellstructured safety measures.

Dr. Sunil Dara

In an exceptional display of collaboration, the Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS) and the Puri Beach Lifeguards have joined forces with the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) to bolster our lifeguard training program. This initiative, hosted with pride on Indian shores, was driven by a commitment to elevate the proficiency of our lifeguards and solidify safety protocols.

The ISLA training program has marked a significant turning point in the quality of our coastal safety services. Under ISLA’s expert guidance, our lifeguards have seen substantial growth in their water safety and emergency response skills. They now operate with a heightened sense of confidence and collaboration, culminating in an upgraded beach safety standard that has not only protected lives but also enhanced the standing of our coastal regions. Our lifeguard teams, a cornerstone of our community since the early 1900's, have emerged from this training more capable and vigilant, ready to uphold the

highest of safety standards along the extensive and beautiful Indian coastline.

Looking ahead, the prospects for our lifeguards post-ISLA training are exceptionally bright. They stand ready, with refined skills and an invigorated ability to respond to aquatic emergencies, to safeguard the well-being of every beachgoer. This advancement in training reflects positively on the entire region, promoting India’s coastal communities as attractive havens for water sports and leisure. The lifeguards of Puri are not just guardians of safety but also ambassadors of a promising future, as they are instrumental in fostering secure, pleasurable beach experiences for both locals and visitors. This initiative has set the stage for a legacy of secure and vibrant coastlines across India.

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From the Host

As a result, we have nurtured a safer haven for the beach-loving public and surf enthusiasts, ensuring that enjoyment of the ocean goes hand-in-hand with wellstructured safety measures.

Dr. Sunil Dara

In an exceptional display of collaboration, the Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS) and the Puri Beach Lifeguards have joined forces with the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) to bolster our lifeguard training program. This initiative, hosted with pride on Indian shores, was driven by a commitment to elevate the proficiency of our lifeguards and solidify safety protocols.

The ISLA training program has marked a significant turning point in the quality of our coastal safety services. Under ISLA’s expert guidance, our lifeguards have seen substantial growth in their water safety and emergency response skills. They now operate with a heightened sense of confidence and collaboration, culminating in an upgraded beach safety standard that has not only protected lives but also enhanced the standing of our coastal regions. Our lifeguard teams, a cornerstone of our community since the early 1900's, have emerged from this training more capable and vigilant, ready to uphold the

highest of safety standards along the extensive and beautiful Indian coastline.

Looking ahead, the prospects for our lifeguards post-ISLA training are exceptionally bright. They stand ready, with refined skills and an invigorated ability to respond to aquatic emergencies, to safeguard the well-being of every beachgoer. This advancement in training reflects positively on the entire region, promoting India’s coastal communities as attractive havens for water sports and leisure. The lifeguards of Puri are not just guardians of safety but also ambassadors of a promising future, as they are instrumental in fostering secure, pleasurable beach experiences for both locals and visitors. This initiative has set the stage for a legacy of secure and vibrant coastlines across India.

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i B each r u P f o t r a e h T he tru e the g n o m a s e li s d Lifeguar uard g e f li ir e h t d n G u ru s a ch an ge o t g in o g e r a t eam . T hey India! s s o r c a g in n w dro

SAFETY 3RD

OPERATION LEADERSHIP As a seasoned lifeguard and leader with within ISLA, I've found immense gratification in teaching life-saving skills, executing rescues, and shaping future leaders committed to drowning prevention. My experience with ISLA operations highlighted the remarkable synergy when leaders with deep lifeguarding and teaching backgrounds collaborate. As a head instructor, channeling this energy was a significant task. For me, ISLA's work is synonymous with "impact." In Operation India, my aim was to leave a lasting, beneficial imprint by enhancing lifeguard capabilities, leadership, teaching methodologies, and organizational structure, ultimately contributing to a more effective lifeguard service and reducing drowning incidents. - Nick Schriver

Jonathan Robinson MARINE SAFETY OFFICER CAPTAIN

Nicholas Schriver OPERATION HEAD INSTRUCTOR

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Basic Open Water Lifeguard Instructor Course

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ISLA Instructors: 4 Train-the-Trainer Instructors: 10 Open Water Participants: 65, Male and Female Host Beach: Puri Beach, Odisha, India

ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard

The Gurus

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Operation India 2023 was a unique project. ISLA instructors arrived in-country and trained 10 Puri Beach Lifeguards as lifeguard instructors. After the successful training of the lovingly nick-named “Gurus”, a class of 65 Puri beach men and women attended an ISLA Basic Open Water Course. This course was instructed by the Gurus and supervised by ISLA instructors. With this new model, Puri Beach and other beaches around India have the opportunity to create sustainable lifeguard operations.

ISLA Marine Safety Officer Jonathan Robinson happily leads pushups in the sand (Top Photo).

ISLA Lifeguard Emilio Cavazos with the train-the-trainer ISLA course participants, aka the Gurus (Bottom Left).

ISLA Basic Open Water Course participants practice their rescue techniques (Bottom Right).

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In 2018, Arun (left, grey shirt) was too young to participate in Operation India at Puri Beach, Odisha. Refusing to be turned away, Arun closely watched the beach lectures, demonstrations, and rescue skills led here by ISLA lifeguard instructor Vasili Pleqi. 45 participants braved the 2018 Basic Open Lifeguard Course and grew their surf lifesaving skills to new heights. Arun pledged that someday he would take the next ISLA course no matter what it took!

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See ONE DO One Teach ONE

In this recent 2023 training, Arun (right, pink cap) completed the ISLA Basic Open Water Course as part of Operation India in Puri Beach, Odisha. He was one of 63 participants in the 2023 course, which occurred October 9th-11th. Arun is a prime example of the commitment and growth that Puri Beach’s lifeguards have for protecting their community and beaches. Arun not only received his ISLA International Lifeguard Certificate, but finished as one of the top cadets!

ANY QUESTI ANY DO ONS UBTS

Operation India 2023 was an exhilarating journey. We took a day to explore after a week of conducting a Train-The-Trainer course and Basic Open Water training. Led by "The Gurus," we visited the Sun Temple, a 13thcentury architectural marvel known for its handcarved stone wheels, pillars, and walls. The temple's intricate carvings, significantly admired by instructor Nick, were a highlight. Afterward, we savored some of the best Indian cuisine at a local restaurant. Our experience in Odisha was both adventurous, humbling, and enriching, offering a deep dive into a unique culture.

- ISLA Lifeguard Emilio Cavazos

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