Puri, Sept 11: In a major move aimed at strengthening the safety of tourists, particularly women visitors, the Odisha government has decided to deploy women lifeguards along the Puri sea beach. This will be the first time that women lifeguards will be stationed at a beach in the state.
As part of the first phase of the initiative, 25 women candidates have been selected and will undergo specialised training to prepare them for lifeguard duties.
According to officials, the selected candidates will receive training at the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) at Chandrabhaga, near Puri. The training will equip them with the technical skills required to respond to emergencies in the sea, rivers and swimming pools, including rescue and lifesaving operations.
Odisha Fire and Emergency Services IG Umashankar Dash said the deployment of women lifeguards was necessary to enhance the safety of women tourists and strengthen rescue operations at the beach.
Following successful completion of the training, the candidates will be issued lifeguard licences by the National Institute of Water sports, officials said.
The initiative has been undertaken jointly by the Odisha Tourism Department and Fire Services to make water-based tourism and recreational activities across the state safer.
Officials believe the presence of women lifeguards on the beach will encourage women tourists to seek assistance without hesitation during emergencies. The move is also expected to improve the overall sense of safety and confidence among female visitors.
The government is also considering expanding the initiative beyond Puri. In the coming days, trained women lifeguards are likely to be deployed at other major beaches and water-tourism destinations across Odisha.
