Interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard in Thanet? Join our taster session

On Tuesday 27 October, RNLI lifeguards from Thanet are inviting anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard for next year’s season to join them for a beach lifeguarding taster session.

The session will begin at 10am and is a great opportunity to find out more about what it takes to become an RNLI lifeguard, meet the team and learn more about the role. RNLI lifeguards in Thanet patrol beaches along the coast from Ramsgate to Margate, as well as further north towards Sheerness.

You don’t need to have any prior beach lifeguarding knowledge or skills, or even any prior work experience to join the session or to become an RNLI beach lifeguard.

What to expect at the taster session

You’ll have the chance to meet the Lifeguard Supervisor team, learn more about what the role involves and meet others who are also interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard. The session will begin with an icebreaker and a welcome talk, followed by a look at some of the RNLI’s first aid equipment. There will also be some fun games and fitness activities to give you a taste of what lifeguarding is all about.

Why become an RNLI beach lifeguard

As an RNLI lifeguard, you’ll be part of a supportive team that makes a lifesaving difference every day. You’ll be paid to work on the beach, in an active role with a team of like-minded people. The seasonal nature of the role fits in with study, travel or other commitments. And the skills you’ll learn and develop will be useful whatever your chosen career path.

Working as an RNLI lifeguard is an incredibly rewarding job. You’ll gain experience in beach rescue, casualty care first aid, Rescue Watercraft (RWC) operations and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) handling, all delivered through an extensive training programme. Become part of our charity’s lifesaving community and help us continue to save lives at sea.

This year RNLI lifeguards celebrated 25 years of the RNLI lifeguard service. Since 2001 RNLI lifeguards have saved 2,165 lives, aided 459,354 people through water rescue, returning lost children and delivering first aid and casualty care. They have responded to 333,330 incidents and carried out more than 48M preventative actions.

Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards in the South East of England saved 16 lives, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people.

How to sign up

Does this sound like something you’d like to try? If you’re interested in coming along, please email the lifeguard team at [email protected]. They will be happy to answer any questions you have and once you’ve registered your interest, they will send you further details about the session.

-Ends-  

Notes to editor:  

To learn more about becoming an RNLI beach lifeguard visit: Become an RNLI beach lifeguard

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands 

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

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.

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.