The RNLI on the lookout for lifeguards to help save lives at sea in East Sussex

Last year RNLI lifeguards, who cover 177 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands, saw more people than ever visit a lifeguarded beach – more than 20 million – the highest number recorded since the charity that saves lives at sea introduced its lifeguard patrols in 2001.

Now the charity wants to hear from potential lifesavers who will play a vital role in keeping people safe this year while they enjoy the summer at Hastings, Camber Sands and Bexhill-on-Sea.

Successful applicants will undergo first-class training to build valuable skills – from handling lifesaving equipment on the beach to first aid and casualty care – and learn how to use RWCs (rescue watercraft or jet skis), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the four-wheel drive (4WD) patrol truck, and IRBs (inshore rescue boats).

Georgia Landy, Seasonal RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor in Hastings, said:

‘Working as a beach lifeguard is a great opportunity to develop many different skills: adaptability, teamwork, fitness, and inclusivity. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a wide variety of training within the RNLI – not only the physical side but also mental health awareness and how to communicate effectively in high pressure situations. This is invaluable when you’re working on days where there are more than 25,000 people on the beach.

Everyone is looking forward to the season and ensuring that the public feel safe on the beach. Prevention is also first and foremost as it allows everyone to have a better understanding of the environment. Key safety advice is to swim between the red and yellow flags and if you have any questions, please go and ask an RNLI lifeguard.’

Hugh Richardson, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for East Sussex, said:

‘We are very excited to be patrolling the beaches of Rother and Hastings for 2022 season. We will be training our lifeguards in preparation for this season, and our inductions include basic lifesaving skills, such as rescue board and tube training. Lifeguards undergo a three-day casualty care course, this prepares them when dealing with minor and major first aids for the season ahead. Finally, we will be training several lifeguards on RWCs, ATVs and 4WD to ensure we can keep members of the public safe at all times’.

The RNLI is looking for individuals who hold a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ), ILS Beach/Surf Lifeguard award or equivalent. If you do not hold one, there will be courses running in Hastings and other neighbouring areas through this link https://rlssuk.tahdah.me/event

Find out more about how you can be a frontline lifesaver and apply to be part of our brilliant lifeguarding team at https://jobs.rnli.org/vacancy/lifeguards-hastings-camber-sands-to-bexhillonsea-467934.html?

This year RNLI Lifeguards will be operating at Camber Sands, Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill. Camber Sands, Hastings and St Leonards go live for main season on 28 May. Peak season then commences on 9 July, where all beaches will operate 7 days a week from 10:00am till 18:00pm up till late September.

Ends

Note for Editors:

• RNLI lifeguards are trained to spot and assess danger on the beach by conducting vital risk assessments. They aim to prevent accidents before they happen; therefore, up to 95% of their work is preventative.

• To learn more about the RNLI lifeguards go to https://rnli.org/what-we-do/lifeguards-and-beaches/how-we-keep-beaches-safe

• A video of RNLI lifeguards recruitment can be viewed at https://summerjobs.rnli.org/become-a-lifeguard/about-the-role

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Simona Matache, RNLI South East Media Placement, on 0779 0772665 or email [email protected], or Paul Dunt, RNLI South East Regional Media Officer, on 0778 5296252 or email [email protected], or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or email [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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.