RNLI on lookout for new lifeguards across UK and Channel Islands for 2025
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is looking for new lifeguards across the UK and Channel Islands ahead of the 2025 season.
Recruitment for this season’s lifeguard team has started in preparation for keeping beachgoers safe this summer, with positions still available.
RNLI lifeguards have a number of responsibilities, from rescuing those who have got into difficulty in the water to providing first-aid and water safety advice.
In 2023, RNLI lifeguards carried out preventative actions and came to the aid of nearly 20,000 people saving 86 lives.
Last year, the charity’s lifeguards rescued swimmers who were caught in rip currents, came to the aid of surfers and even rescued dogs who had got into difficulty in the water.
Tom Ward, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Hampshire, West Sussex and Brighton, said: ‘RNLI lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work. Being an RNLI lifeguard is a rewarding and varied job. No two days are the same.
‘There is so much opportunity for progression in the role, and you make a huge difference in your community by preventing potentially life-threatening situations. We are looking for people willing to learn and put their training into action to make the right decision if someone’s life is in danger.’
Successful applicants will receive world-class training, good rates of pay and a flexible work pattern.
Lee Fisher, Lifeguard Experience Manager said: ‘Beach lifeguarding is a great opportunity and a very rewarding role that changes lives – including your own – all whilst enjoying the beach as your office.
‘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 and of school leaving age, 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 who have made friends for life, and the skills you gain can make an ideal first step towards many careers.
‘Working outdoors on the beach makes this an exciting opportunity whether you want a rewarding summer job or to pursue a career in lifesaving.’
Being a lifeguard for the RNLI offers great paths of progression and the skills gained can help you make the first step towards many careers.
To find lifeguard vacancies in your area visit: https://lifesavingjobs.rnli.org/become-a-lifeguard/
Notes to editor:
The fitness requirements for lifeguards are to be able to:
- Complete a 400m pool swim in under 7½ minutes, the first 200m of which must be completed in under 3½ minutes.
- Complete a 25m pool swim underwater and a 25m surface swim consecutively under 50 seconds.
- Complete a 200m beach run in under 40 seconds.
Media contacts
For more information, please contact RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789. Alternatively, contact Adam Cleary Communications Placement [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, 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.