Pulpally: The Kuruva tourism department has appointed forty VSS guides to ensure the safety of the tourists who visit the Kuruva island on the Kabani River. Even though the deep vortexes, slippery rocks, huge tree branches that bend into the waters and alligators pose a threat, the volunteers are committed to ensure the safety and security of each tourist.

Volunteers are excellent swimmers
They are well-trained and carry out their duties by strictly following the guidelines of the forest department. All the volunteers are excellent swimmers. Besides, the fire and safety department has trained them in emergency response in case of an accident. Stretchers and first aid facilities too are arranged at the island. The tourists are transported to the Kuruva island on bamboo rafts. The raft made using bamboos in multiple layers wouldn’t overturn. Moreover, the raft is attached to the rope that is tied on both sides of the river.

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Two guides each at every 150 metres
The raft rides where safe even when the tourist centre was crowded. Many had lost lives in the treacherous waters of Kabani River in the past. However, the tourists at Kuruva are keenly watched by the volunteers.

Two guides each are posted at every 150 metres. Those who enter the waters would be discouraged by them. Security staff including women are appointed at the bathing points to avert any accidents. Most of the visitors who reach Kuruva islands are students and researchers from other states.

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The tribal community who are born and brought up here have been roped in to ensure the safety of the visitors. They know every nook and corner of the area just like the lines on their palms, according to authorities.