RNLI on the lookout for beach lifeguards in Sussex this Summer

Recruitment has opened for this summer’s crop of beach lifeguards. Successful applicants for beach lifeguarding will receive world class training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques, as well as boosting their CV’s with invaluable skills that will wow future employers.

Recruits will also be trained in using the latest lifesaving equipment including rescue boards, rescue tubes and defibrillators.

Allen Head, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager, said: ‘I think working as a lifeguard has got to be one of the most rewarding jobs. Of course it’s incredible to be able to call the beach your office but far more importantly than that, you are there to make sure the public enjoy it in the safest possible way.

‘But make no mistake. This is a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a clear head. We want people with the courage, determination and the ability to draw on their training and make the right decision if someone’s life is in danger.’

The RNLI is currently recruiting for beaches all over the UK and Ireland, two in East Sussex including Camber Sands*

The RNLI is looking for individuals who possess an internationally recognised beach lifeguard qualification. A series of courses hosted by the RNLI and local lifesaving clubs will be held in the coming weeks and months to enable people to get this qualification. Although this does not guarantee a job as an RNLI lifeguard, individuals must also be fit and healthy and be strong swimmers.

In 2015 RNLI lifeguards on some 220 beaches dealt with 15,714 incidents and helped 18,181 people. Incidents ranged from slips, trips and stings to more serious water based rescues.

Find out more about how you can make a difference and apply to be part of our amazing lifesaving teams at RNLI.org/LifeguardRecruitment

Note to Editors

*All employment offers for Camber Sands were subject to budget approval by Rother District Council at their full council meeting on Monday 27 February. The council did approve the budget at that meeting.

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Please call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789. For enquiries outside normal business hours, this number diverts to the duty press officer.

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

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The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland