Riyaz Ahmad Wani: Three Decades of Service to Water Safety and Underwater Sports in Jammu & Kashmir
When it comes to building a culture of water safety, swimming education, and adventure sports in Jammu & Kashmir, few names carry as much weight as Riyaz Ahmad Wani. A water sports expert, open water swimmer, lifesaving trainer, and adventure sports professional, Riyaz has spent nearly three decades shaping the region's aquatic sports landscape — one swimmer, one rescue skill, and one life-saving lesson at a time.
The Underwater Sports Association India (USAI) is proud to spotlight his journey, dedication, and the lasting impact he continues to have on the water sports community.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
Riyaz's story in aquatic sports began in 1998, when he successfully completed the demanding 7 km Dal Cross Open Water Swimming Race, representing the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department. That achievement wasn't just a personal milestone — it was the starting point of a career that would go on to touch thousands of lives across Jammu & Kashmir.
Just a year later, in 1999, he took his training further, undergoing advanced instruction in swimming, kayaking, rafting, and water rescue techniques at the Water Sports Centre, Nehru Park, under experienced instructors. During his college years, he was recognised as the Best Swimmer at the Inter-College Swimming Championships and went on to win multiple medals in swimming competitions across three consecutive years — early signs of the discipline and versatility that would come to define his career.
Mastering the Rivers: Adventure Sports Expertise
Beyond the swimming pool, Riyaz built deep expertise in white water rafting and white water kayaking, training and competing on some of the region's most challenging rivers — the Lidder, Sind, Suru, and Chenab. This hands-on experience gave him a rare command of river navigation and rescue operations, skills that would later prove invaluable in his water safety and training work.
His adventure sports resume reads like a map of India's toughest expeditions. Representing Jammu & Kashmir, Riyaz has taken part in some of the country's most prestigious national adventure events, including:
- The Indian River Runners Federation 4Square White Water Challenge
- The Bhakra–Bilaspur Sailing Expedition, spanning 554 km
- The Tilwara–Akhnoor White Water Rafting Expedition
- The Expedition India International Adventure Race, a gruelling multi-discipline endurance event combining 110 km and 80 km mountain biking legs, 55 km of trekking, 85 km of white water rafting, and additional endurance challenges
Adding to this remarkable record, Riyaz has also competed in more than 45 National Championships in cycling and athletics — a testament to the endurance, discipline, and multi-sport versatility that runs through his entire career.
A Champion for Water Safety
While his competitive achievements are impressive in their own right, it's Riyaz's work in water safety and community training that has left the deepest mark. As a leading figure in the Swim N Survival Society Kashmir (SSSK) — affiliated with the Underwater Sports Association of Jammu & Kashmir (USAJK) and the Underwater Sports Association India (USAI) — he has made it his mission to ensure that swimming and water safety knowledge reaches as many people as possible.
Since 2000, Riyaz has personally trained more than 2,000 non-swimmers through structured programmes at the Water Sports Centre, Nigeen. His training programmes go far beyond basic swimming instruction, covering:
- Swimming instruction
- Underwater sports
- Water safety education
- Drowning prevention
- Rescue techniques
- CPR and first aid
- Lifesaving skills
- Recreational kayaking
Through this work, Riyaz has helped build safer communities across Jammu & Kashmir, equipping children, youth, and adults alike with practical, potentially life-saving skills.
Certifications and Continued Commitment
Riyaz Ahmad Wani is a Certified Professional in Lifesaving Techniques and a Certified Water Sports Operator from the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa — credentials that reflect the depth of his professional training and his commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in his field.
Even after nearly thirty years in the field, his commitment hasn't wavered. He continues to dedicate his time to mentoring young swimmers, strengthening water safety awareness, promoting underwater sports, and encouraging broader participation in aquatic and adventure sports across the region.
A Journey Built on Mentorship and Support
Riyaz has often spoken about the mentors and supporters who shaped his path — including Late Asif Mehmood (Assistant Director, Tourism Recreation), Late Mohammad Yousuf Mandoo (Water Sports Coach, University of Kashmir), Dr. Altaf-ul-Rehman (Physical Director, Islamia College), Late Sheikh Tulal (Athletics Coach, JKSSC), and Umer Rafiq (Head, Water Sports Centre, Nehru Park). Their guidance, along with the support of friends, colleagues, and the wider sporting community, played a defining role in shaping his career. Above all, he credits his mother and his wife for the unconditional support and sacrifice that made his achievements possible.
Mission Forward
Riyaz's mission remains clear and consistent: to promote water safety for all through structured swimming education, lifesaving training, drowning prevention, and rescue preparedness — while advancing adventure and underwater sports in partnership with USAJK, USAI, and CMAS. It's a mission rooted in inspiring the next generation to lead healthier, more confident, and more responsible lives in and around the water.
USAI is honoured to recognise professionals like Riyaz Ahmad Wani, whose decades of grassroots work continue to strengthen the foundation of water safety and underwater sports across India.