RNLI teams up with Denbighshire Council for beach lifeguard service
Lifeguards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will be on duty in Denbighshire for the first time this summer.
Starting in May, two beaches will be patrolled by a new seasonal lifeguard service run in partnership between the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, and Denbighshire County Council.
For many years the council has employed lifeguards in Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches, creating a safe environment for residents and visitors.
Now the RNLI, which already operates lifeguards on 32 beaches in Wales and more than 220 across the UK, will run the service after a partnership with the Council was approved by Cabinet Members.
The RNLI is already recruiting for lifeguards and is keen to hear from prospective recruits keen to make the beaches of Denbighshire their office and get kitted, paid and trained to save lives this summer.
RNLI lifeguards will begin on duty on 28 May, providing a part-time safety service on both Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches. Peak season kicks in for school summer holidays, when lifeguards will begin a daily safety service which will run until 4 September. Lifeguards will be on duty between 10am and 6pm every day they are on service.
Peter Rooney, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, said: ‘Last year our lifeguards assisted more than 900 people on 32 beaches in Wales and we are really pleased to begin working with Denbighshire County Council to provide a lifeguard service at Rhyl and Prestatyn. Our lifeguards will build on the council’s good work and provide a safety service fitting for these two popular beaches.
‘The RNLI charity provides all of its lifeguards with first class training to equip them with all the skills and experience needed to provide safety advice and assistance to beach users.
‘We advise people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach within the red and yellow flagged swimming area.
‘Our lifeguards are also looking forward to working closely with the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crew at Rhyl Lifeboat Station.’
Councillor Huw Jones, Denbighshire County Council Lead Member for Community Development said: ‘DCC is pleased to be working in partnership with the RNLI. This highly respected charity has the expertise and professional standards to deliver a first class beach lifeguard service for both Rhyl and Prestatyn and we look forward to working with them.’
RNLI lifeguard job adverts are now live and the charity would be keen to hear from anyone interested in applying for Denbighshire’s ‘Best Summer Job’.
RNLI Senior Lifeguard Manager Matt Horton said: ‘The RNLI will be looking to recruit and enthusiastic and professional team of lifeguards who will get paid to save lives this summer.
‘We’re looking for strong swimmers who can swim 400m with a good level of fitness aged over 16 years old. If you have the raw ability and the will to learn we can help get you fit and qualified.’
Lifeguards come from all walks of life including college and university students, teachers, stay-at-home parents, business owners and gap year travellers, all looking to do something special with their summer.’
Matt added: ‘The experience you’ll gain this summer as an RNLI beach lifeguard will stay with you for life. You’ll work with an inspiring team and make lifelong friends while getting the chance to improve your physical fitness and learn new skills.
‘There’s nothing better than making the beach your office, getting paid to train and knowing you have the first aid and rescue skills to save someone’s life at a moment’s notice. It’s the best job you’ll ever have.’
RNLI beach lifeguard recruitment is now open at jobs.rnli.org/lifeguards.html
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