
Somerset RNLI to run beach lifeguarding course over October half term
The RNLI is running a lifeguard course this October in preparation for 2024 recruitment. If you have ever dreamed of being a beach lifeguard, now is your chance. The charity is encouraging locals who are interested in a lifeguarding role to get qualified.
Lifeguarding is an incredibly rewarding role that changes lives and can open doors to many career options. Lifeguards not only rescue those in difficulty in the water, they also provide vital beach first-aid and safety advice to ensure visitors can return home safely. This course will provide you with the first aid training, swimming pool and beach competencies required to support your application.
The RNLI will be recruiting lifeguards in the new year, in order to be considered for the role candidates must hold a national vocational beach lifeguarding qualification. A course will be run on the north Somerset coast during October half-term week (21 - 27 October). Candidates who pass the course will then be in a strong position to join the RNLI lifeguard team next summer.
The RNLI lifeguard role provides world-class lifesaving training, good rates of pay, the possibility of flexible working patterns and opportunities to develop valuable skills for a future career in whichever sector they wish.
Brett Schofield, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, says;
‘Earlier this year we ran a successful lifeguard course for 4 local candidates. They all went on to work as lifeguards this summer and keep Burnham-On-Sea and Brean safe alongside the beach wardens.
‘The skills they developed through the lifeguard course and the RNLI training were really put into action. This year we dealt with a range of both major and minor first aids and rescues. It’s very rewarding to put new skills and knowledge to the test, and to help the public.
‘Our lifeguards range from teenagers all the way up to lifesavers in their 70s. As long as you meet the fitness requirements and you are over 16 years old, there could be a role for you.
‘The job also has great paths for progression - we have lifeguards who have been working for the RNLI for years, both on the beach and as part of our support teams, and the skills you gain can make an ideal first step towards many careers. It’s a great opportunity whether you want a rewarding summer job or to pursue a career in lifesaving.’
The course will run at Burnham-on-Sea beach daily from 21 - 27 October and allow people to gain their National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification, needed to work as a lifeguard on UK beaches.
Due to there being limited places on the course, only those interested in working on the beaches around Burnham-on-Sea will be accepted on the course. A minimum standard of swimming fitness (400m pool swim in under 8 minutes) must be met in order to secure a place on the course and prospective candidates will be subject to a prior screening process to assess this.
The course will be run at administration costs only, making it an affordable way to gain the qualification for less than £100 (Surf Life Saving GB joining fee, course registration, manual and examination fee).
For more information on the lifeguard course and joining the lifeguard team in Somerset, please contact Brett Schofield on: 07974 852230 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]
RNLI media contacts
For more information contact Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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, 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.