THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is running a lifeguard course in Weston-super-Mare this October.

The charity will be recruiting lifeguards in the new year, and to be considered for the role candidates must hold a national vocational beach lifeguarding qualification, which can be earned on the course in the October half-term.

The course will provide attendees with the first aid training, and swimming pool and beach skills required to support an application.

Lifeguarding is a diverse job that changes lives and can open doors to many career options.

Lifeguards not only rescue those in difficulty in the water, they also provide vital beach first-aid and safety advice to ensure visitors can return home safely.

Brett Schofield, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “Our lifeguards range from teenagers all the way up to lifesavers in their 70s.

“As long as you meet the fitness requirements and you are over 16 years old, there could be a role for you.

“The job also has great paths for progression - we have lifeguards who have been working for the RNLI for years, both on the beach and as part of our support teams, and the skills you gain can make an ideal first step towards many careers.

“It’s a great opportunity whether you want a rewarding summer job or to pursue a career in lifesaving.”

The course will take place at Weston-super-Mare from Monday, October 28 to Friday, November 1, and allow people to gain their National Vocational Beach qualification. Assessment will take place on Sunday, November 3.

Candidates who pass the course will then be in a strong position to apply to join the RNLI lifeguard team next summer.

Due to the limited places on the course, only those interested in working on beaches in the Somerset area will be accepted.

A minimum standard of swimming fitness (400m pool swim in under 8 minutes) must be met to secure a place, and prospective candidates will be subject to a prior screening process to assess this.

The course will be run at administration costs only, SLSGB membership cost and course admin fee (approximately £60)

For more information on the lifeguard course and joining the lifeguard team in Somerset, please contact Brett Schofield on: 07974 852230 or email: Brett_Schofield@rnli.org.uk or mullacott_sc@rnli.org.uk