Getting ready for summer 2022, the RNLI is inviting applications from those who would like to be beach lifeguards along the South Coast including Swanage.
The seasonal role is mainly preventative, monitoring sea conditions, keeping an eye on adults and children, and offering safety advice, especially to people who aren’t regular beachgoers.
Swanage lifeguards undergo two weeks of intensive training in May before the service begins at the start of the school holiday summer half term. It’s expected that like in 2021, the team will patrol the beach and sea from 10 am to 6 pm until September.
The lifeguards in their hut, help beachgoers stay safe
Enjoy good rates of pay and develop valuable skills
The RNLI says that successful applicants will receive world class life saving training, enjoy good rates of pay and develop valuable skills for a future career.
Applicants need to be over school leaving age. Under 18s are welcome to apply but will need parental permission and some locations have fewer posts available to under 18s because of safeguarding issues.
The lifeguard hut in Swanage
“You could change lives – including your own”
RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor Kester Sheppard said:
“Lifeguarding is a really unique and rewarding role and if you’re thinking about applying, I would really recommend you go for it! You can gain some invaluable skills and training whilst working on the beach and being part of an incredible team.
“If you enjoy working in a challenging environment, have the ability to work under pressure and you like helping others, it really is a job you will love’
“The skills our lifeguards gain can be an ideal first step towards many career paths or offer invaluable experience for those studying or training in a similar field.
“Beach lifeguarding can be a great opportunity and a very rewarding role. You could change lives – including your own – all whilst enjoying the beach as your office. As long as you can meet the fitness requirements, pass the interview and you are over school leaving age, there can be a role for you as a lifesaver.
“We have lifeguards who have been working for the RNLI for years, both on the beach and as part of our support teams. It really is a great opportunity.”
The main beach in Swanage gets busy in the summer