In action: RNLI lifeguards during Ironman Wales in Tenby 2014

PEMBROKESHIRE may be in the depths of winter but the RNLI has already begun its search for new lifeguards to patrol the county’s beaches this summer. 

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched its Best Summer Job campaign by opening beach lifeguard recruitment online.

New recruits will be kitted, paid and trained to patrol on Pembrokeshire’s busiest beaches for the charity that saves lives a sea.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Stuart Penfold said: ‘I can’t think of a better way to cure the winter blues than applying to become an RNLI beach lifeguard and 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.’

Working in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, RNLI lifeguards provide safety advice and assistance on 13* of the county’s beaches.

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.

Stuart 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.’

Cllr Elwyn Morse, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: ‘We are pleased that the RNLI are again recruiting people to keep our beaches safe for another season. As a beach lifeguard, each person will receive first class training and gain essential life skills.’

RNLI beach lifeguard recruitment is now open at jobs.rnli.org/lifeguards.html

For more information please contact Stuart Penfold on 07891 867836.

Five recommended ways to beat the winter blues and prepare to become an RNLI beach lifeguard are:

1) Get online and apply to become an RNLI lifeguard at jobs.rnli. org/lifeguards.html.

2) Go swimming – get down your local pool and train to be able to swim 400m in under 7 minutes 30 seconds which is the minimum standard for an RNLI lifeguard. The exercise will boost your energy and your mood, making those dark winter evenings a little more bearable.

3) Go running outside– listen to some summer tunes through your headphones and practice your sprints. You’ll need to cover 200m on sand in under 40 seconds to become a lifeguard. Being outside in daylight boosts your mood and is a great way to beat the winter blues

4) Watch the RNLI’s lifeguard recruitment video, then close your eyes and think that in just a few months this could be you!

5) Eat healthily – RNLI lifeguards are fit people but this doesn’t come naturally. They exercise regularly and eat healthily. A healthy diet boosts your mood, gives you more energy and stops you putting on weight over the winter, which you’ll be grateful for during the sprint test.

Pembrokeshire RNLI lifeguards provide a safety service on Amroth, Saundersfoot, Tenby North, Tenby South, Tenby Castle, Freshwater West, Broad Haven, Nolton Haven, Newgale South, Newgale North, Newport and Poppit Sands beaches. Lifeguards also provide safety patrols on Pendine and Pembrey in Carmarthenshire.