Become an RNLI Lifeguard
We have now successfully completed recruitment for the 2007 season.
If you would like to be considered for a lifeguard position for the 2008 season application packs will be available here for you to download in December 2007.
If you are interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard you will need to be able to answer 'yes' to the following questions:
- do you hold a current valid beach lifeguard qualifcation?
- are you a member of an International Lifesaving Federation associated body e.g. RLSS UK/SLS GB?
- can you meet the following fitness criteria/competencies:
- 200m pool swim in 3.5 minutes
- 400m pool swim in 7.5 minutes
- 25m pool swim underwater and 25m surface swim consecutively
in 50 seconds
- 200m beach run in 40 seconds
If you can answer yes to all of the above questions, then we would encourage you to visit the site again in December 2007 when you will be able to click on the appropriate link below for the type of role you are interested in and submit an application form.
If you were unable to answer yes to all of the above please click here for further details.
For further information on becoming a lifeguard including job descriptions, person specifications and medical standards please visit the general information page.
New to the RNLI?
If you join us as a paid lifeguard we will support and encourage you and provide access to additional training. Full time positions will be five days per week with flexibility being required.
Find out more
Worked for us in 2007?
Returning lifeguards will be invited to re-apply for the 2008 summer season.
Find out more
Overseas lifeguards
Overseas lifeguards are invited to apply through our International Lifeguard Exchange Scheme. If you currently work for one of our overseas partner organisations please contact HR Advisor P&LG for more information.
Find out more
RNLI lifeguard exchange scheme
Existing RNLI lifeguards wishing to work for one of our Overseas Partner Organisations during the UK winter are invited to apply through our International Lifeguard Exchange Scheme. Please speak to your Area Lifeguard Manager for further details.
Register an interest
Volunteer lifeguards and beach patrol
As an organisation we actively encourage and promote volunteering. In return for your time, we offer our volunteer RNLI lifeguards training, uniform and the chance to gain valuable operational experience.
As part of a new partnership agreement with the RNLI, club volunteers are now being encouraged to sign up, through their local lifeguard or lifesaving club, to help provide patrols at weekends and other busy periods as part of the RNLI lifeguard service.
In addition to volunteer lifeguards, we are also taking on beach patrol volunteers. Our beach patrol volunteers work alongside paid and volunteer lifeguards. Their role is to monitor and advise beach and water users and provide support to the beach lifeguard unit under the supervision of a senior lifeguard. Beach patrol volunteers do not need to hold a beach lifeguard qualification nor do they need to undertake the lifeguard fitness assessment. For more information see the person specification forms.
Download an application pack