History and Mission
Founded in 2014 by Ankit Wagh, a former international swimmer and rescue expert, the academy was established to address the need for specialized rescue training in India. The mission of IRA is to save lives and contribute to nation-building by providing high-quality training to rescue personnel.
IRA offers a wide range of training programs, including:
- Technical Rope Rescue : Techniques for rescuing individuals from heights and difficult terrains.
- Confined Space Rescue : Training for rescuing people trapped in confined spaces such as tunnels or storage tanks.
- Aquatic Search and Rescue : Techniques for water-based rescue operations, including swift water rescue.
- Special Forces Operations : Training for specialized rescue operations involving special forces.
- VIP Driving : Courses for driving high-profile individuals safely.
- Maritime Operations : Training for rescue operations in maritime environments.
- Communicable Disease Control for Disaster Management : Specialized training for managing disease outbreaks during disasters.
IRA has achieved several milestones since its inception:
- Empaneled with National Fisheries Development Corporation : Trained 100 lifeguards in 14 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.
- Best Private Service Provider Award : Recognized by Hon. Chandrababu Naidu, CM of Andhra Pradesh, for services during Godavari Pushkarams 2014.
- Partnership with Surf Life Saving New South Wales : Collaborating with the world's oldest lifesaving organization to enhance training programs.
- Member of International Maritime Rescue Federation : Joining the federation to contribute to maritime rescue standards.
Training Centers
IRA has established training centers in Kolad and Chennai, offering both onsite and in-academy training formats. They also have a corporate back-office setup in Pune to support their training operations.
Future Vision
IRA aims to become the most effective rescue training academy in the world by 2030. They continue to expand their training programs and partnerships to ensure widespread preparedness and response capabilities.