RNLI lifeguard taster session at Burnham-on-Sea

The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeguard team in Somerset are running a free taster session to anyone over 16 years-old, on Saturday 4 September at Burnham-on-Sea beach between 3pm-6pm.

If you’re interested in becoming a beach lifeguard or just want to know more about the role and what it’s like to work on the beach every day, this taster session is for you. The free session will introduce you to a range of rescue equipment and skills, as well as a chance to meet the lifeguard team.

Throughout summer RNLI lifeguarded beaches are partrolled daily between 10am-6pm. This Sunday (5 August) will be the final day of the season for both Berrow and Burnham-on-Sea.

Luke Penman, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor in Somerset says,

‘The lifeguard team in Somerset have had a busy summer keeping people safe on our beaches. As we draw to the end of the season we are already looking ahead to next year, where we will be opening up lifeguard recruitment for the 2022 season. Working as an RNLI lifeguard is a job like no other, where no two days are the same. You could be part of a team that helps keep people safe whilst enjoying their time on the beach with friends and family. You will receive world-class training in water rescue techniques and casualty care, as well as access to specialist equipment training and opportunity for career progression.’

During the taster session you will learn how to paddle a rescue board and be introduced to CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), which could save somebody's life. The RNLI lifeguard team in Somerset is made up of a range of experience from first year to senior lifeguards, who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about what it’s like to work as an RNLI lifeguard.

No prior training is required although you must be a confident swimmer in open water as the session will involve some training activities in the sea. Wetsuits, rash vests, and training equipment will be provided, all you need to bring is your own swimming costume or trunks, a towel and a drink.

Places are limited due to Covid-19 so if you’re interested and would like to sign up, or have any questions please email: [email protected]

Those under 18 must be accompanied by and adult for the duration of the session. There are toilets, shops and cafes nearby the beach if required.

Notes to editors

· Please find attached the following images:

1. Somerset RNLI lifeguard Team (credit: RNLI)
2. RNLI lifeguard paddling a rescue board (credit: RNLI/Nick Mailer)
3. RNLI lifeguards doing CPR training (credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams

· Follow the link to see which beaches are currently lifeguarded https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/beaches-with-lifeguards-on-patrol

· To support the RNLI’s lifesavers, go to: www.rnli.org/donate

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Media Engagement Placement (south west) on [email protected] or 07902 975993, or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager on 07920 818807 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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.