Equipped and Ready: behind the scenes of RNLI lifeguard training
The third episode of the RNLI’s newest podcast about the charity’s lifeguard service, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor and Trainer in the Wirral area, Lucy, shares some behind the scenes of the equipment used by the team when saving lives at sea.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched a five-episode podcast to mark 25 years since the rollout of its lifeguarding service – featuring conversations with lifeguards, those who have been rescued and exploring how they have been making beaches safer since 2001.
The podcast, titled We Are Lifeguards, launched at the end of March which coincided with the lifeguards’ return to beaches around the UK. As we head towards the busiest time for lifeguards across North West beaches, we’re highlighting episode three titled Equipped and Ready. We learn from the experts within the RNLI’s lifeguarding service about the kit they rely on, as well as the unique challenges they face keeping themselves and their lifesaving equipment rescue ready.
RNLI lifeguards are trained to high fitness standards to be able to respond instantly. But what equipment do they need to help get the job done? Within the episode, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor and Trainer Assessor covering the Wirral area, Lucy Tilston, takes us through the different challenges that are faced when using specific lifeguard equipment, such as the Rescue Water Craft (RWC). Lucy said:
‘The Rescue Water Craft (RWC) is really important in our area. We work in a fast flowing river, so you may have a casualty in front of you one minute and then the next minute they have been swept three four miles down the river.
‘This piece of kit can get us to the casualty quickly and effectively in order for the lifeguards to rescue that person and potentially save a life.’
The RNLI lifeguard service began in the Wirral in 2015 and have since saved 18 lives and aided a further 10,216 people. RNLI beach lifeguards in the Wirral are currently patrolling five beaches, New Brighton, The Plateaux, Harrison Drive, Moreton & West Kirby. Lucy said:
‘Our Wirral Lifeguards have now moved onto their full-time patrols 10-6pm, 7 days a week until September, before reverting back to weekends only.’
For the last 25 years, RNLI lifeguards have been making beaches safer. They share safety advice, provide first aid to those who need it and save the lives of those who get in trouble in the water.
During that time, they have made more than 48 million preventative actions, attended more than 330,000 incidents and aided more than 440,000 people on beaches around the UK and the Channel Islands.
Peter Dawes, General Manager of Lifeguard Operations, said: ‘Since our lifeguarding service began in 2001, we’ve seen more people visit our beaches and enjoying the water.
‘Our highly trained, capable and skilled lifeguards spend their time talking to people, sharing our safety advice and educating visitors about the dangers. As well as carrying out rescues and first aid.
‘The launch of this podcast not only marks our 25th anniversary, but also the return of lifeguards to beaches ahead of what will be another busy summer. If you are heading to the coast, be sure to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach.’
You can listen to We Are Lifeguards at https://rnli.org/WeAreLifeguards or wherever you find your podcasts.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information contact Betsy Owen, Communications Placement on 07483 485378 or email [email protected]
Alternatively you can contact Ben Williets, RNLI Press Officer on 01202 641450 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.