Odisha Launches Lifeguard Training to Boost Adventure Tourism Safety
Konark, April 27: The Odisha Tourism Department has rolled out a residential lifeguard training program at the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI), Konark, aimed at strengthening safety standards in adventure tourism.
The program will run in 11 continuous batches, each lasting 12 days, training 176 government and private lifeguards in the first phase.
The curriculum covers rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, open water operations, and disaster response, aligning with national certification standards.
To enhance expertise, Odisha has signed MoUs with NIWS (Goa) and Odisha Fire & Emergency Services, ensuring advanced safety protocols.
The state plans to train around 2,000 lifeguards over the next 2–3 years, with deployment across Puri, Chandrabhaga, and other key beaches, lakes, dams, and riverfronts.
Officials emphasised that mapping of waterbodies across all 30 districts has been completed, and district‑wise pools of youth are being prepared for systematic training.
The initiative is expected to accelerate capacity building and position Odisha as a safe and premier adventure tourism destination.
