RNLI bids to haul in lifeguards to keep watch over beaches

NEW lifeguards are being urged to come on board and help the RNLI patrol the region's beaches this summer.

The RNLI is looking for people aged 16 and over with a valid lifeguarding certificate to watch over beaches at Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea.

Deborah Heaton-Caffin, from the RNLI, said most lifeguards were students looking for a summer job.

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She added: "Obviously most are surfers or like water sports and have an affinity with the sea. We tend to get kids who grew up on the coast and want to turn their hobby into a job for a couple of months."

In all, 18 lifeguards are needed on beaches at Bridlington and Hornsea from July 3, and at Withernsea from July 17.

Their main role is offering advice to prevent incidents from happening in the first place. They also provide first aid, help reunite lost children with their parents and liaise with the coastguard and RNLI lifeboat crews during rescues. This will be the second year that the RNLI has run the service.

If enough people come forward who don't have a certificate training can be arranged.

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Although it was a fairly quiet year, 92 incidents were recorded last season. In one instance, lifeguards were credited with saving a life by giving first aid to an elderly man who had collapsed with a suspected heart attack on the Promenade at Bridlington.

Lifeguards interested in working for the RNLI should log onto www.rnli.org.uk/jobs. Alternatively, potential applicants who are interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard but do not hold a current surf lifesaving qualification should email Matt Jones at [email protected] for information about future qualifying courses.