Recruitment opens for ‘Britain’s best summer jobs’

Recruitment has opened nationally for this summer’s crop of beach lifeguards and face to face fundraisers. Both roles are essential in supporting the RNLI’s aim to keep people safe and prevent tragedies around the coast of the UK and Ireland.

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. In 2015 lifeguards saved 94 lives, attended 15,896 incidents and helped 18,399 people on beaches around the UK and Ireland.

Brett Shepherd, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, said: ‘I think working as a lifeguard has got to be one of Britain’s best summer 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 are now also recruiting for face to face fundraisers, who work alongside our lifeguards on the beaches in the summer to provide people with important safety advice. They have a key role in raising money for the charity so that it can continue providing a lifesaving service.

Applicants will need to be a dynamic and positive ambassador for the charity, actively engaging with communities and inspiring support for the charity’s work to prevent the loss of life on the water.

Alex Ainsworth, Senior Face to Face Fundraising Manager, said: 'A good fundraiser generally has to be friendly and relaxed, but also energetic, able to talk to anyone and have fun and be passionate about what they do.

'We will provide quality training which will make sure you feel confident and capable by the time summer begins. You’ll be developing new skills, having fun and working at the beach, this has to be one of Britain’s best summer jobs.'

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

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.