Start your career on the beach as an RNLI lifeguard in Weymouth and West Dorset

Recruitment for this season’s team of RNLI beach lifesavers has opened, ready for the summer. Beach lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work, offering safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty.

This year, the RNLI will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their lifeguard service. Successful applicants will receive world-class lifesaving training, enjoy good rates of pay and develop valuable skills for a future career.

Charlotte Mansell, 23, began lifeguarding in Weymouth and West Dorset in 2017 and is now a qualified primary school teacher. As the peak lifeguard season coincides with the school holidays, she continues to work shifts as a casual lifeguard in the summer.

‘Being a lifeguard has given me the opportunity to work in an amazing environment, help my local community, and develop a wide range of skills. I’ve improved my fitness and also get to promote education and awareness about water safety, which is crucial when living along the coast.’

‘I really enjoy the difference in each of the beaches in Weymouth and West Dorset. Each one has its own dangers, and you have to think differently on every beach to be able to make quick decisions and react to unfolding events.’

Simon Davis, 19, has been lifeguarding for two seasons and works during the summer break from his degree in Sports and Exercise Science

He said:

‘I decided to lifeguard as I wanted a new summer job, I had a few friends who had already done some seasons on the beach and they told me how good an experience it was.’

‘Since I started lifeguarding, I have learnt vital water rescue and first aid skills, how to crew the rescue boat and use other beach equipment, along with professional communication skills with members of the public.’

‘The best part of being a lifeguard is the feelings of responsibility and satisfaction you get from almost every shift. In 2020, I rescued a young boy who had a seizure whilst bodyboarding. This was a multi-agency incident including the Air Ambulance, multiple land ambulances and the Coastguard.’

Alice Higgins, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the area, says: ‘If you are looking for a unique and rewarding summer job, lifeguarding could be the perfect opportunity for you. The job is demanding and requires a clear head, commitment, and dedication.

‘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. Those applying will need to have a valid International Life Saving Federation (ILS) recognised beach lifeguard qualification. If you would like to do a Beach Lifeguard Course, please contact your local Surf Life Saving Club – Branksome SLSC, Weymouth SLSC or Sidmouth SLSC.’

‘The skills our lifeguards gain can be an ideal first step towards many career paths or offer invaluable experience for those studying or training in a similar field. We’ve had lifeguards who are now qualified Police Officers and Paramedics, along with those who are volunteering for other rescue agencies.’

Find out more about how you can help to improve the safety of your local community and apply to be part of our amazing lifesaving team at rnli.org/BeALifeguard

Notes to editors

· Please find attached photos of lifeguards Charlotte Mansell and Simon Davis

· Visit this webpage to find out more and apply.

· The RNLI are recruiting lifeguard to provide safety cover on Weymouth main beach, Greenhill, Lyme Regis and West Bay beaches this summer

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Marianne Quinn, Regional Media Officer, on [email protected] or 07786 668847, or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager for the South West on 07920818807 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 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.

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.