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RNLI brings lifeguards together for first Women in Lifeguarding Training Week
RNLI lifeguards from across the UK and Ireland have come together for the first-ever Women in Lifeguarding Training Week, a dedicated development event focused on building operational skills, leadership confidence and professional networks.
Held over four days (28 September to 1 October), the programme brought together participants from multiple locations across the UK and Ireland to take part in operational training, team-building activities and leadership discussions designed to support progression within RNLI lifeguarding.
Throughout the week, attendees took part in a range of activities including coasteering and team-building exercises, rescue watercraft (RWC), inshore rescue boat (IRB) and rescue board training, casualty care scenarios, and a multi-agency sand hole collapse exercise alongside HM Coastguard and the fire and rescue service.
Participants also visited the Search and Rescue base in Newquay to learn more about the work of the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter team.
The week also included a panel discussion featuring Gemma Wright, RNLI Head of Region for the South West, Anna Smee, Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving GB, and Emmie Seward-Adams, RNLI Water Safety Officer, who shared their experiences and insights into leadership, development and progression within the sector.
Anna highlighted the continuing contribution surf lifesaving makes to the wider lifeguarding profession. Through training, education and developing future lifeguards, Surf Life Saving GB plays a key role in building the skills, confidence and experience needed to help keep people safe around the water.
The Women in Lifeguarding Training Week was created to celebrate and support women working across RNLI Lifeguarding, helping participants develop confidence in operational and leadership environments while strengthening peer support networks across regions.
There are currently around 500 women working within RNLI Lifeguarding, helping to keep people safe on beaches around the UK and Ireland.
Amy Edmonds, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor and one of the organisers of the week, said:
‘It's been incredible to see such a talented group of female lifeguards come together, share knowledge and experience, and support each other.
I'm proud to have been part of creating it, and excited to see it grow year on year, region by region, helping women thrive in their careers, stay within the RNLI and inspire future generations.’
Emily Lawrence, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor in Brighton has been lifeguarding for 10 years and also helped organise the week:
‘I've really enjoyed this week, and I've really enjoyed seeing the girls enjoy it as well, seeing them connect with each other and network and share their experiences within their areas and share that knowledge and experience to help each other and support each other. It's been really great to watch.
‘If anyone's keen to join next year, I'd say put yourself forward, give it a go. It's a chance for you to meet other people within the service, meet other really inspiring women and connect and then progress within the service too.’
The event highlighted the RNLI's commitment to supporting women to develop operational skills, leadership capability and confidence, while creating opportunities to build lasting networks and explore future progression pathways within lifeguarding and the wider charity.
Notes to editors:
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Images from the event can be downloaded here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/AA58EA6C-4A92-417A-BCCFDFBFD670487A/
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The Women in Lifeguarding Training Week is an RNLI initiative and part of a plan to be offered in subsequent years.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Annabelle Spiers, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected] or
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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