RNLI Seek Portsmouth's Answer To The Hoff!

The RNLI's looking for new lifeguards to help patrol the beaches in Portsmouth this summer.

It'll be the first time they've provided patrols on the city's beaches.

New recruits will be paid a minimum of £7.11 an hour. Work will include sea rescues, providing major first aid, and giving beach safety advice to visitors.

Lifeguard Manager Rory Smith said: ''This is a great opportunity for people to secure exciting and rewarding employment for the summer. As Portsmouth is a new area for RNLI lifeguards, we are seeking recruits aged 16 and over to join our world-class lifesaving service. We're also looking forward to welcoming back lifeguards who have previously worked for Portsmouth City Council.''

RNLI lifeguards must hold and maintain a valid surf lifesaving qualification. The charity will be running an entry level beach lifeguard course (costing £75) in Portsmouth during the May half term holiday to give those not yet qualified the same chance to apply.

Rory Smith added: ''Being a beach lifeguard is a summer job with a difference. It's physically demanding and requires commitment, but the level of training and support the RNLI provides will leave you with invaluable skills for life. Plus you'll be spending your summer outside and making a difference on the beach. Last year our lifeguards in the south east helped 664 people in difficulty, and saved eight lives.''

''As entrance to the course is dependent on a swimming test, we're keen to hear from people as soon as possible so we can support them in reaching the required fitness levels before applying.''

If successful on the lifeguard training course, and in application for a job with the RNLI, all lifeguards undergo further intensive training in areas such as rescue board skills, search and rescue patterns and casualty care, prior to operational duty on the beach. They also have to maintain a high level of fitness, which includes a 200 metre beach run in under 40 seconds and a 400 metre pool swim in under 7.5 minutes.

Those interested in applying or attending a training course are encouraged to contact Lifeguard Manager Rory Smith at rory_smith@rnli.org.uk or 07530 492515, and state an expression of interest in the Portsmouth area.