Thinking of becoming a beach lifeguard? Water Skills Academy’s Chris Rea give us his top tips for getting ahead in the lifeguarding arena, having put hundreds of budding beach lifeguards through their paces on the beach, training them to pass their beach lifeguard qualifications and re-qualifications.
1. Gain experience in the water
Being a lifeguard on the beach is very different to inland water or swimming pools. If you want to succeed as a beach lifeguard you must be strong in the sea, especially the surf and have good knowledge of how it works. You can’t buy experience, you need to go out and get it. Lots of lifeguards come from the coast and have grown up in the sea. It’s a competitive world out there. You’ll have to prove yourself in the water to get the job.
2. Get qualified
You’ll need to hold a valid qualification to apply for work. Contact Surf Life Saving GB for further details. There are many commercial centres out there that can deliver one week intensive lifeguard training courses.
3. Join a Surf Lifesaving Club
By joining a surf lifesaving club you will have access to equipment and people with experience and knowledge to share. Certain clubs will also train you and get you through your qualification.
4. Become competent on a rescue board.
The rescue board is a hugely important piece of equipment. In many areas, the RNLI will assess you on your board skills as part of your interview. You may be a good swimmer but you need to be able to get a rescue board out through the surf!
5. Get fit
Lifeguarding requires a high level of fitness. Being physically prepared for any situation is crucial. You need to get in the pool and make sure you can swim the required time. This involves training and dedication. Swimming fitness is very particular, ninety minutes on a football pitch will not prepare you fora timed swim. It’s a world apart!
6. Pass your driving test
You don’t need to have a driving licence to become a lifeguard but many beaches have vehicles. Therefore, having a licence increases your chances of employment.
7. Volunteer
Once you are qualified beach lifeguard you can work as a lifeguard volunteer. In competitive areas, a season of volunteering can help you get a foot in the door.
8. Decide where to work
With the RNLI you have to specify where you want to work. Decide on where you want to work and consider a second and third choice.
9. Prepare for the interview
As with any job the interview, this could make or break you. Do your research and prepare you answers.
10. Be open to learning
Lots of lifeguard in their first season think they know everything. Be aware that you are surrounded by people with lots of experience and knowledge. Be humble, train hard, use your initiative and work as a team.