Join the RNLI Lifeguard team and help save lives at sea as we mark a quarter of a century of RNLI Lifeguarding in 2026!

Grown from a few patrols piloted in 2001, to working across 250 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands today, saving more than 2000 lives since the service began, and keeping people safe by providing safety advice on the shore, in schools and online.

Join a team of likeminded people, do work that truly matters, and spend your summer earning, staying fit, and living life outdoors. Be part of something bigger, join us in 2026 as we celebrate 25 years of RNLI Lifeguards.

About the Role:

As an RNLI lifeguard, you will play a crucial role in keeping beachgoers safe by:

• Sharing safety advice with beachgoers to prevent incidents (95% of the work is preventative).
• Responding to first aid incidents and assisting with missing/found persons.
• Providing a swift rescue response to anyone in difficulty.

Our lifeguard responsibilities vary depending on the beach location. We cover over 250 beaches across the UK and the Channel Islands, each with its unique challenges. You’ll operate from static beach lifeguard units and on mobile patrols, using rescue boards, tubes, and, depending on the beach, ATVs, four-wheel drives, RWCs, or IRBs.

We offer four lifeguard levels, from newly qualified to Senior Lifeguard, and provide all the training, skills, and development opportunities you need to progress. Lifeguarding with us equips you with valuable experience that benefits any future career, whether within the RNLI or beyond.

Grade 1: Ideal for beginners, no prior lifesaving experience required.

Grade 2: For experienced lifeguards with at least 300 operational hours.

Grade 3 and Senior Lifeguards: Requires a minimum of 1,000 operational hours and solid beach lifeguard experience. These positions are for individuals aged 18+.

About You:

Being an RNLI lifeguard is both challenging and rewarding, no two days are the same. To thrive, you should be:

• Focused, vigilant, and proactive.
• Approachable and passionate about helping people stay safe.
• Professional with excellent people and rescue skills.
• Qualified with a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ), ILS Beach/Surf Lifeguard award, or equivalent.
• Able to pass fitness and competency tests and meet health and eyesight requirements.

If you don't have the necessary lifeguard qualification, you can still apply. Just let us know your plan to gain it.

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Rigorous checks, including enhanced DBS checks, will be carried out for successful applicants. Suitability to work with children may also be explored during the interview.

If you have a passion for helping others through supervision, education, and rescue, we invite you to join our team this season and make a real difference!

Season Dates:

Please find below indicative season dates for your area. In additions to these dates, you'll also be required to attend an induction before the season starts, options and dates for induction can be discussed during the interview.

• Extended Season: 2 Apr to 1 Nov
• Main Season: 23 May to 27 Sep * Varies by beach - 13th or 27th Sept
• Peak Season: 11 Jul to 6 Sep

Apply Now!