Start your career with the RNLI on Britain’s best beach

At the forefront of the RNLI’s lifesaving work, the charity’s lifeguards in East Dorset responded to 1,466 incidents and helped over 1,500 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 for a future career.

Kester Sheppard, 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.’

A taster session is being held on Saturday 23 March where people will have the chance to find out more about the role. It will involve trying out some of the rescue equipment in the RNLI Survival Pool, meeting the team, and is a great opportunity to ask any questions about being a RNLI Lifeguard. If you’re interested, email the team at [email protected] for more information.

Chris Lewis is one of the longest serving lifeguards in the UK, having dedicated 54 years of voluntary lifesaving to the community of Poole and Bournemouth as part of the RLSS and RNLI. Chris’s passion for lifeguarding began when he enrolled with St John’s Ambulance at 15, and providing first aid at numerous swimming events.

Chris, who is still saving lives at 69, says: “It doesn’t matter what age you are, if you enjoy working in a team, enjoy a challenging and changing environment, have the ability to think quickly under pressure, like helping others, and have the fitness to do the role then don’t think twice...it’s a job you will love.’

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

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RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Oliver Wrynne-Simpson, Regional Media Officer, on 07795127351 or [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.

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.