Recruitment opens for Wales’ best summer jobs

Recruitment has opened in Wales for this summer’s crop of beach lifeguards and face to face fundraisers. Both roles are essential in supporting the RNLI’s aim to keep people safe and prevent tragedies around the coast.

Successful applicants for beach lifeguard roles will receive world class training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques, as well as boosting their CV’s with invaluable skills.

Recruits will also be trained in using the latest lifesaving equipment including rescue boards, rescue tubes and defibrillators.

The RNLI will be operating a lifeguard service in partnership with local councils and land owners in the Vale of Glamorgan, Porthcawl, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Denbighshire in 2017.

Matt Jessop, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Denbighshire, north Wales, said:

‘I think working as a lifeguard has got to be one of Britain’s best summer jobs. Of course it’s incredible to be able to call the beach your office but far more importantly than that, you are there to make sure the public enjoy it in the safest possible way.

‘But make no mistake. This is a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a clear head. We want people with the courage, determination and the ability to draw on their training and make the right decision if someone’s life is in danger.

‘We’re looking for strong swimmers who can and swim 400m with a good level of fitness aged over 16 years old. If you have the raw ability and the will to learn we can help get you fit and qualified.’

We are now also recruiting for face to face fundraisers, who work alongside our lifeguards on the beaches in Wales during the summer to provide people with important safety advice. They also have a key role in raising money for the charity so that it can continue providing a lifesaving service.

Applicants will need to be a dynamic and positive ambassador for the charity, actively engaging with communities and inspiring support for our work to prevent the loss of life on the water.

Nick Evans, Regional Face to Face Fundraising Manager, said:

‘A good fundraiser generally has to be friendly and relaxed, but also energetic, target orientated, fun and be passionate about what they do.

‘We will provide quality training which will make sure you feel confident and capable by the time summer begins. You’ll be developing new skills, having fun and working at the beach, this has to be one of Britain’s best summer jobs.”

Find videos and information about how you can make a difference and apply to be part of our amazing lifesaving teams at www.rnli.org.uk/workonthebeach

Notes to editor:

• The attached pictures show RNLI lifeguards in action and lifeguards and face to face fundraisers together on the beach. Credit RNLI

• Interviews with RNLI Lifeguard Supervisors about working as a beach lifeguard are available on request.

• The RNLI is looking for individuals who possess an internationally recognised beach lifeguard qualification. A series of courses hosted by the RNLI and local lifesaving clubs will be held in the coming weeks and months to enable people to get this qualification. Although this does not guarantee a job as an RNLI lifeguard, individuals must also be fit and healthy and be strong swimmers.

• Face to face fundraiser applications close on 22 January

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.