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RNLI Lifeguard in a jacket on a beach

Working as a lifesaver

As an RNLI lifeguard, you’ll make a difference by keeping people safe every time you go to work

What's good about being a lifeguard?

Benefits

Lifeguarding opens plenty of doors for professional development – no matter what career you aspire to. 

To help you make the most out of your experience and training, you’ll get to work on a wide range of beaches and finish the summer with new qualifications and transferable skills. Your availability for the whole season is essential so we can run an effective lifeguard service. But we recognise that you might have other commitments, such as family care or shift work with another employer, as well as pre-arranged holidays. We’re open to working flexibly around these.

Pay

You’ll earn a salary as an RNLI lifeguard which, depending on your role, can range from £11 to £13.05 per hour (based on 2022 rates).

Training

Throughout your time as a lifeguard, you’ll follow an extensive training programme to build your skills – from how to handle equipment on the beach, to first aid and casualty care – and you’ll receive continuous on-the-job training.

Job satisfaction

There’s not much that beats finishing a day at work, knowing you’ve kept people safe – or even saved a life. In 2021, RNLI lifeguards helped more than 40,700 people. You could be part of that team, saving lives and preventing tragedies before they develop.

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Hear from our lifeguards

  • Margot Lawrence in her RNLI hat standing on a beach
    • Video
    • Video
    Margot Lawrence, RNLI Lifeguard

    'Lifeguarding is the best job ever. I get to work on the beach all summer, with a great team of people. I’ve gained invaluable skills that are going to help me so much in life. And when we’ve done what we’re there to do – saving a life – that’s a really good feeling. Definitely 100% glad I applied.'

  • Become a Lifeguard
    • Video
    • Video
    Become a lifeguard

    As an RNLI lifeguard you'll be a frontline lifesaver. You'll gain both work and life skills and earn good rates of pay. See if you have what it takes.

Want to know more?

RNLI Lifeguard heading out to sea from the beach on a lifesaving board
Become a lifeguard
As an RNLI lifeguard you’ll build your work – and life – experience, get good rates of pay and learn lifesaving skills that stay with you wherever your career heads next.
Learn more
RNLI Lifeguards running on the beach
Requirements and training
Ready to save lives? This role is rewarding but challenging too. Discover the age, qualification, and fitness criteria for being a lifeguard.
Find out more
Birds eye view of an RNLI lifeguard sitting on a paddleboard at sea.
Find a job
Become an RNLI Lifeguard and get world-class training, good pay and the chance to work on incredible beaches.
Find a job