The RNLI is on the hunt for budding lifeguards for local beaches, including West Kirby.
Recruitment for this season’s team has started nationally, in preparation for keeping the nation’s beachgoers safe this summer.
The charity’s lifeguards not only rescue those in difficulty in the water, they also provide vital beach first-aid and safety advice to ensure visitors can return home safely.
In 2021, the RNLI’s lifeguards in the north west responded to more than 1,550 incidents, helping nearly 18,000 people in need and saving five lives.
Last summer, lifeguards plucked stricken swimmers from powerful rip currents, saved children being blown offshore in inflatables, came to the aid of paddleboarders and gave lifesaving CPR on beaches among the thousands of incidents they attended.
Successful applicants will receive world-class lifesaving training, enjoy good rates of pay, the possibility of flexible working patterns and develop valuable skills for a future career.
Lucy Tilson, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the Wirral, said: “To anyone thinking of becoming a lifeguard, just do it. It’s the best job, it’s so rewarding, and it keeps getting better – there’s so much opportunity for growth in the role.
Lucy started work as a beach lifeguard at 18 and has worked her way up to Lead Supervisor.
She added: “I love being outside on the beach all summer and sharing my knowledge with people. It often doesn’t feel like a job because I enjoy it so much, which is something a lot of lifeguards say.”
Other beaches patrolled locally include Leasowe Bay, Harrison Drive, New Brighton and Moreton.
How fit do you need to be?
Lifeguards need to be able to:
- Complete a 400m pool swim in under 7½ minutes, the first 200m of which must be completed in under 3½ minutes
- Complete a 25m pool swim underwater and a 25m surface swim consecutively in under 50 seconds
- Complete a 200m beach run in under 40 seconds
Find out more about becoming a lifeguard at rnli.org/BeALifeguard.
