RNLI recruiting lifeguards to join the team in the south west this summer

The training and experience offered by the lifesaving service means it is great option for young people starting their career, however the charity is also keen to encourage applications from those looking to diversify already establish careers or require the flexibility to work around other commitments.

At the forefront of the RNLI’s lifesaving work, the charity’s lifeguards responded to almost 12,500 incidents and helped more than 14,000 people on beaches across the south west in 2018. 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 and transferable skills.

Henry Irvine, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says: ‘Working as a lifeguard is an incredibly rewarding role, you are there to make sure the public stay safe while enjoying their visit to the beach, 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.’

The training provided by the charity can be an ideal first step towards many career paths, including continuing to work for the RNLI or for a career in the emergency services. For others it is an opportunity to put into practice the valuable skills that have been learnt or developed in other areas of life and work.

Henry continues:

‘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.

Our lifeguard teams are made up of diverse 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. Those coming from other professions or at a different stage in their lives often have more tools in their armoury to deal with difficult or unusual situations and are a particularly valuable asset to the team so we hope to attract talented people regardless of age or life situation.’

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

Editors Notes

• Please find attached an image of a RNLI lifeguard on patrol credit RNLI

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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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