RNLI recruiting lifeguards in the south west for the 2019 summer season

At the forefront of the RNLI’s lifesaving work, the charity’s lifeguards responded to over 15,500 incidents and helped over 24,000 people in 2017. Successful applicants receive world-class training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques, good rates of pay and the chance to develop valuable skills.

Henry Irvine, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor says: ‘Working as a lifeguard is a unique and rewarding experience – you get to call the beach your office for a start! But far more importantly than that, you are there to make sure the public stay safe while enjoying their visit, and ultimately to help save lives at sea.

‘This is a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a clear head, but it’s also a job that is truly life changing. We’re looking for people with courage, determination and the ability to put their training into action and make the right decision if someone’s life is in danger. It is an incredibly rewarding role.’

Whilst for many young people lifeguarding is a great summer job or be an ideal first step towards many career paths including continuing to work for the RNLI or a career in the emergency services. However, the role can be an attractive choice for anyone regardless of age or life situation.

Loic Doison, is 44 and works as a senior RNLI lifeguard on the beaches in South Devon during the summer (between Easter and October). In the winter he is able to look after his three-year-old son around some casual work and makes the most of not being tied to a job to get away for extended periods as a family.

Loic says the life experience older lifeguards can bring to the profession is really valued, he says;

‘A great team is made up of diverse people with a mix of ages, genders and backgrounds which mean the team can draw on individual skills or attributes to face any number of different situations and learn from each other. I find that older people have more tools in their armoury to deal with difficult or unusual situations using skills from previous jobs or circumstances.

Whatever your age, lifeguarding is a perfect role for someone who enjoys being part of a team, who likes talking to and helping people, someone who likes being and working outdoors and has some experience of the beach and sea environment.’

Find out more about how you can make a difference and apply to be part of our amazing lifesaving team at https://summerjobs.rnli.org/become-a-lifeguard

Notes to editors

• Please contact Amy or Emma on the numbers below to arrange an interview with Henry Irvine, RNLI Lead Supervisor.

• Please find attached three images

  • The south east Devon lifeguard team who cover Exmouth and Teignmouth credit RNLI

  • A generic lifeguard image credit Nathan Williams/RNLI

  • RNLI lifeguard Loic Doison, credit RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Amy Caldwell on 07920 818807 or email [email protected] or Emma Haines on 07786 668 847 or [email protected] Alternatively, please call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

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.

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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.