Could you be a lifesaver? RNLI recruiting lifeguards to join Sedgemoor 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.

Jake Anderson, 24, is now a Senior Lifeguard in Somerset, having started in 2017. He said:

‘The best parts of the job for me are getting to spend all summer outside, talking to the public, and getting to help people. No one comes to the beach expecting to have a bad day, so I hope we help to keep people safe so they can have a good day.

‘Lifeguarding is my favourite job I’ve ever had. It’s helped me develop as a person, in my confidence, practical first aid skills and my happiness. It has also helped me realise what I want to do in my life, which is working with the ambulance service.

‘Over the last few years I've been studying at university to become a paramedic and lifeguarding has fit in perfectly because the season starts a few weeks after final exams.’

Luke Penman, 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. 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

Follow Sedgemoor’s RNLI lifeguards on Instagram @ sedgemoor_rnli_lifeguards

Notes to editors

· Please find attached photos of RNLI lifeguard Jake Anderson and the Burnham-on-Sea and Berrow beaches

· Visit this webpage to find out more and apply. Applications close on 4 April.

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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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.