Could you be a lifesaver? RNLI recruiting lifeguards to join north Devon team

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, proactively managing the safety of the beach, 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.

Patrick Le Good, 43, is now a Senior Lifeguard in north Devon, having started in 2015. He said:

‘I started lifeguarding to do something more meaningful with my life. It fits in with my lifestyle perfectly, it gives me free time to travel with my wife in the winter and surf all over the world.

‘It also gives me the opportunity to get in the sea every day, keeping me fit and healthy. I love the surf conditions we get in north Devon and how busy the beaches get - lifeguarding here is demanding yet very rewarding. I remember us doing over 50 rescues in a day once at Croyde!

‘The best thing is looking forward to going to work every day, and having the beach as my workplace, while doing something that really helps others.’

Matthew Whitley, 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. On our north Devon beaches, confidence in surf conditions is crucial.

‘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. Applicants will need to have a Beach Lifeguard Award from either the RLSS, SLSGB or SLSWales.

‘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 studying for jobs in the emergency services or even volunteer 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 RNLI lifeguard Patrick Le Good

· The RNLI are recruiting lifeguard to provide safety cover on Woolacombe, Croyde, Westward Ho! and Sandymere beaches this summer.

· Visit this webpage to find out more and apply. Applications close Sunday 21 February.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Marianne Quinn, Regional Media Officer, on [email protected] or 07786 668847. 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.

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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.