Hunt launched to find new lifeguards for Littlehampton’s beaches

The new service is being launched in partnership with Arun District Council, which previously provided lifeguards on the beach.

A spokesman for the RNLI said the charity’s beach lifeguards were highly trained, equipped with the latest lifesaving skills and kit, and were paid a minimum of £7.11p an hour.

Duties range from carrying out water rescues to providing major first aid, and giving beach safety advice to people visiting the seaside.

Lifeguard manager for the RNLI, Rory Smith, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to secure exciting and rewarding employment for the summer. As Littlehampton is a new area for RNLI lifeguards, we are seeking recruits aged 16 and over to join our world-class lifesaving service. We’re also looking forward to welcoming back lifeguards who previously worked for Arun.”

RNLI lifeguards must hold and maintain a valid surf lifesaving qualification.

This year, the charity will be running an entry level beach lifeguard course in Littlehampton during the Easter holidays to give those not yet qualified the same chance to apply. The course will run from Monday, April 8, to Saturday, April 13. The course is priced at an “at cost” £75.

Rory added: “Last year, our lifeguards in the south east helped 664 people in difficulty, and saved eight lives.”

“As entrance to the course is dependent on a swimming test, we’re keen to hear from people as soon as possible so we can support them in reaching the required fitness levels before applying.”

If successful on the training course, and in applying for a job with the RNLI, all lifeguards undergo further intensive training in vital areas such as rescue board skills, search and rescue patterns and casualty care, before taking up their duties on the beach.

They also have to maintain a high level of fitness, which includes a 200m beach run in under 40 seconds and a 400m pool swim in under 7.5 minutes.

Those interested in applying or attending a training course to obtain their lifeguarding qualification should contact Rory at [email protected] or 07530 492515.

To apply for a job as an RNLI lifeguard and for more information, visit the lifeguard recruitment pages here.