Register your interest in becoming an RNLI lifeguard in West Sussex & Hampshire

After a busy summer season, RNLI lifeguards in West Sussex and Hampshire are already on the lookout for next year’s lifeguards. The team patrols beaches along the coast from Littlehampton and Bognor Regis to Southsea and Eastney.

If you’re interested in hearing more about taster sessions, Beach Lifeguard Courses and job applications, submit an expression of interest using the link below and a member of the team will then reach out and answer any questions you may have.

Register your interest here: RNLI Lifeguards - Expression of Interest for Summer 2027 – Fill in form

Remember, you don’t need any prior beach lifeguarding qualifications, knowledge, skills or even work experience to apply. The RNLI can help you find your course and may even be able to deliver one locally.

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, Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) operations and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) handling, all delivered through an extensive training programme. Become part of the charity’s amazing team of lifesavers, have a summer to remember 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.

-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.