Picture by Sarat Patra

After pulling chariots in hot and humid conditions, devotees gather near the sea for celebrations on the waterfront. The nolias or members of the traditional fishing community are always there to lend a helping hand in case someone runs into trouble while taking bath.

The district administration has included 100 such nolias in their list, but in practice more than the prescribed number are on the job to ensure that people are safe during their stay till the Bahuda Yatra.

With their traditional knowledge of the local sea and training on rescue operations by St. John Ambulance, the nolias, who work under five different lifeguard associations, make sure that no mishap occurs. On rath yatra day volunteers of Harachandi Lifeguards Association (HLA) saved 19 people from drowning.

Chinmoy Pani was one of the men rescued. The computer engineer from Dhenkanal was in a serious condition. The volunteers took him to the District Headquarters Hospital.

“Pani’s condition was serious as blood and foam were oozing out of his nose and face. Our rescuers did not panic and took him to the hospital. There the doctors immediately took some preventive measures. He recovered and was out of danger by Monday,” said Dinabandhu Rao, president of HLA.

Sudhir Kumar Das from Brit Colony, Bhubaneswar, who was rescued by the lifeguards on the beach, said: “Many visitors do not realise the dangers posed by the sea and they venture deep inside. Their distress calls also do not reach the crowd on the shore, but the vigilant rescuers always come to their safety.”

Pradip Dey from Bengal, added: “Although the traditional fishermen always existed in Puri, now they have become more organised and have been trained in dealing with serious patients. As a result, people enjoy their time near the beach and also feel secure.”

Biswanath Patsani from Motagaon, Khurda, said: “While bathing in the sea, I was pulled by the waves inside and my friends could not do anything. They called the rescuers who saved my life. Today, I am lucky to be with my friends again.”

T. Krishna Murty, councillor of ward No. 11 under the Puri Municipality, said apart from HLA, Sagar Tarang Lifeguard Association, Kali Maa Lifeguard Association, Chakratirtha Lifeguard Association and Golden Beach Lifeguard Association are volunteering for rescue operations.

Volunteers from Harachandi Lifeguard Association, U. Neelamadhab and R. Ramiah, added: “The district administration has to recognise the services of the nolia community beyond the rescue operation on the beach during rath yatra. During a recent selection of constables, local police authorities discarded us despite our exposure. Instead, they selected youths from Konark area. We were discarded on the grounds of height, but those selected, have no exposure on rescue operations on the sea.”