RNLI on the lookout for new lifesavers in Somerset

The charity is encouraging anybody who likes the thought of having a beach as their office to get involved and attend a taster session this Saturday (23 April).

The RNLI currently provides a lifeguarding service across two beaches in the Sedgemoor area during the peak summer season which starts on Saturday 2 July and runs until Sunday 4 September. There is also a two-week induction period prior to the beaches opening, which involves world-class lifesaving training, fitness testing and advanced first aid. The RNLI offers very good rates of pay and helps to develop valuable skills for a future career.

If you would like to find out more information about the RNLI’s beach lifeguarding service and are interested in applying, Luke Penman, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon and Somerset, is putting on a taster day this Saturday (23 April) at Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat station at 10am.

Luke will also be running a full beach lifeguard course in May (through a surf lifesaving club) where people can gain the accredited lifeguard qualification, valid for two years. The course will take place at Burnham-on-Sea across three weekends (14-15 May, 21-22 May, 28-29 May) which includes the assessment day on Sunday 29 May.

Matt Whitley, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon says: ‘Lifeguarding is a really unique and rewarding role. You can gain some invaluable skills and training whilst working on the beach and being part of an incredible team. If you enjoy working in a challenging environment, have the ability to work under pressure and you like helping others, it really is a job you will love.’

The demand for an additional lifeguarded beach is evident in the statistics for 2021 where RNLI figures reveal that lifeguards covering the south west dealt with 11,216 incidents, aided 13,664 people and saved 57 lives. In comparison to 2019, the last full season unaffected by covid restrictions, RNLI lifeguards dealt with 10,527 incidents, aided 13,069 people and saved 69 lives.

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

Notes to editors

For more information about the taster day and beach lifeguard course, please contact Luke Penman on: 07447 651427 or Matt Whitley on: 07817 619782.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Becky Bright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (South West) on 07929 673281 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.