RNLI offers opportunity to gain essential skills for future Wirral lifeguards

The RNLI are running a dedicated Beach Lifeguard course in the Wirral later this month to enable people aged 16 or over an opportunity to gain essential qualifications which will help them apply and take the first step towards a career in lifesaving. Once qualified, all applicants could take advantage of their new skills by applying to work for the charity as an RNLI lifeguard on the Wirral beaches over the summer holidays. The RNLI are offering the course at a discounted rate of £100 to help future lifesavers start their lifeguard career.

RNLI lifeguards offers a seasonal safety service on six of the Wirral's busiest beaches. West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive, Leasowe Bay, The Plateaux and New Brighton beach are patrolled daily between 10am-6pm by the charity's lifeguards over the busy summer months.

The Beach Lifeguard course will be held between 30 May - 3 June (Monday to Friday). The dedicated course will provide training and skills to help applicants secure the Beach Lifeguard (NVBLQ) qualification, an essential skill when applying for a lifeguard role. To take part in the Beach Lifeguard Course, all applicants must be aged 16 or over and be a competent swimmer. All applicants will be required to prove their swimming ability by attending a pre-course fitness test on Sunday 22 May. This will include swimming 400 meters (16 lengths of a 25m pool) in under eight minutes.

Lucy Tilston, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor explains the career development opportunities available as a result of lifeguarding:

‘The skills our lifeguards gain can be a great first step towards many career paths and has already proven to be invaluable experience for those studying or training in a similar field.

‘Beach lifeguarding can be a great opportunity and a very rewarding role. You could change lives – including your own – all whilst enjoying the beach as your office. The RNLI have decided to run the Beach Lifeguard course in the Wirral to help those who would like to explore a career in lifesaving by offering the opportunity to gain the essential qualification. If you can meet the fitness requirements, pass the interview and you are over school leaving age, an opportunity can be there for you to be a lifesaver.

‘We have lifeguards who have been working for the RNLI for years, both on the beach and as part of our support teams. It really is a great opportunity.’

To sign up or for more information about the Beach Lifeguard course, contact Lucy Tilston on [email protected] or phone 07795 447824.

Notes to editor

Photo of RNLI lifeguard patrolling West Kirby beach. Credit: David Edwards.

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07771 941390 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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