Lifeguard in the surf. Picture: Nathan Williams, RNLI

by Kathryn Tye

ktye@thekmgroup.co.uk

A call has been issued for a new generation of lifeguards to work on Kent’s beaches this summer.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) opens its 2013 recruitment drive this month.

Opportunities to join the charity in its lifesaving work are available on existing patrols in Thanet, and in a new RNLI lifeguarded area on the Isle of Sheppey.

Beach lifeguards are highly trained, equipped with the latest lifesaving skills and kit, and paid at least £7.11 an hour.

Lifeguard manager Rory Smith said: “This is a great opportunity for people to secure exciting and rewarding employment for the summer.

"We have a good number of lifeguards returning, but we are also seeking more recruits aged 16 and over to join our world-class lifesaving service.”

RNLI lifeguards must hold and maintain a valid surf lifesaving qualification, and the charity will be hosting two entry level beach lifeguard courses in Kent during the Easter holidays to give those not yet qualified the same chance to apply.

Courses will be in Thanet from Monday, April 8 to Saturday, April 13, and on the Isle of Sheppey from April 8 to 12, with an assessment day on Sunday, April 14.

Priced at an ‘at cost’ £75 for the complete course and assessment, the training is designed to invest in the lifesaving future of the county and the safety of its beachgoers for summers to come.

Rory added: “Being a beach lifeguard is a summer job with a difference. It’s physically demanding and requires commitment, but the level of training and support the RNLI provides will leave you with invaluable skills for life.

"Plus you’ll be spending your summer outside and making a difference on the beach.

"Last year our lifeguards in Thanet helped 664 people in difficulty, and saved eight lives.

“As entrance to the course is dependent on a swimming test, we’re keen to hear from people as soon as possible so we can support them in reaching the required fitness levels before applying.”

If successful on the lifeguard training course, and in application for a job with the RNLI, all lifeguards undergo further intensive training in vital areas such as rescue board skills, search and rescue patterns and casualty care, prior to operational duty on the beach.

They also have to maintain a high level of fitness, which includes a 200 metre beach run in under 40 seconds and a 400 metre pool swim in under 7.5 minutes.

Contact Rory at rory_smith@rnli.org.uk or call 07530 492515.