New lifeguards needed in Portsmouth this summer

New lifeguards are needed to help keep people safe on Portsmouth's beaches this summer.

Last year the charity's lifeguards, who cover over 240 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 the Hampshire beaches of Eastney and Southsea.

Successful applicants will undergo first-class training to build valuable skills – from handling lifesaving equipment on the beach to first aid and casualty care.

Tom Ward, Seasonal RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor in Hampshire and West Sussex, said:

‘Working as a beach lifeguard is a rewarding job that helps you develop many different skills: adaptability, teamwork, fitness, and inclusivity. It is a great way to stay active and form friendships with members of the team while keeping people safe to enjoy the beach.

We are 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. Prevention is also first and foremost as it allows everyone to have a better understanding of the environment.

Safety advice is to swim between the red and yellow flags and if you have any questions, please go and ask an RNLI lifeguard.’

Craig Maltby, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Hampshire and West Sussex, said:

‘We are very excited to be patrolling the beaches of Hampshire and West Sussex 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.

"Each lifeguard will undergo a three-day casualty care course, and this prepares them when dealing with minor and major first aids for the season ahead. Finally, we will be training lifeguards in West Sussex on IRBs (inshore rescue boats) and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) to ensure we can keep members of the public safe at all times.

The RNLI Lifeguard Service in West Sussex is currently weekends only and will go full time from Saturday 14 May. The Portsmouth beaches are peak season and go live from early July."

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