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Start your career with the RNLI

THE RNLI is in search of new recruits to spend a season working on some of west Wales’ most popular beaches, as applications open for 2020 beach lifeguards. RNLI lifeguards operate on 40 beaches in Wales in the counties of Bridgend, Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Denbighshire.

In west Wales, the RNLI is particularly keen to recruit lifeguards to work the beaches of Aberystwyth north/south and Borth.

In addition to this lifeguards will be required to provide a seasonal service at Pembrey, Pendine Sands, Amroth, Saundersfoot, Tenby North/Castle/South,  Freshwater West, Broad Haven, Nolton Haven, Newgale South/Central/North, Whitesands, Newport Sands, Poppit Sands, Aberporth, Tresaith, Llangrannog, New Quay Harbour and Clarach.
Successful applications will be to be available to attend training between 29 June – 10 July 2020.

At the forefront of the RNLI’s lifesaving work, the charity’s lifeguards responded to almost 20,000 incidents and helped more than 32,000 people in 2018. Successful applicants receive world-class training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques, good rates of pay and the chance to develop valuable skills for a future career.

In order to apply, there is a requirement to hold a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) or equivalent. A health assessment (including an eyesight test) to ensure you are physically up to the job will be required. All lifeguards must be able to complete:

A 400m pool swim in under 7½ minutes, the first 200m of which must be completed in under 3½ minutes.
A 25m pool swim underwater and a 25m surface swim consecutively in under 50 seconds.
A 200m beach run in under 40 seconds.

Lee Fisher, Lifeguard Services Manager says: ‘Working as a lifeguard is a unique and rewarding experience – you get to call the beach your office for a start! But far more importantly than that, you are there to make sure the public stay safe while enjoying their visit, and ultimately to help save lives at sea.

‘This is a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a clear head, but it’s also a job that is truly life changing. We’re looking for people with courage, determination and the ability to put their training into action and make the right decision if someone’s life is in danger. It is an incredibly rewarding role.’

And it’s not just on the beach where lifeguarding skills can be put into practice. The training provided by the charity can be an ideal first step towards many career paths, including continuing to work for the RNLI or for a career in the emergency services.

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