
Somerset RNLI to run beach lifeguarding course during October half term
If you have ever dreamed of being a beach lifeguard, now is your chance as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is running a lifeguard course in Weston-super-Mare this October.
The charity will be recruiting lifeguards in the new year, and to be considered for the role candidates must hold a national vocational beach lifeguarding qualification, which can be earned on the course in the October half-term.
The course will provide attendees with the first aid training, and swimming pool and beach skills required to support an application.
Lifeguarding is a diverse job 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.
Brett Schofield, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, says:
‘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 take place at Weston-super-Mare from Monday 28 October-Friday 1 November and allow people to gain their National Vocational Beach qualification. Assessment will take place on Sunday 3 November.
Weston ahs been chosen for the course due to the marine lake always having water however in season lifeguards will remain patrolling at Burnham-On-Sea and Brean.
Candidates who pass the course will then be in a strong position to apply to join the RNLI lifeguard team next summer.
Due to the limited places on the course, only those interested in working on beaches in the Somerset area will be accepted. A minimum standard of swimming fitness (400m pool swim in under 8 minutes) must be met to secure a place, and prospective candidates will be subject to a prior screening process to assess this.
The course will be run at administration costs only, SLSGB membership cost & course admin fee (approximately £60)
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 please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement – Placement-South West on 07977 468283 or [email protected],uk or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.