A new campaign has been launched to encourage more people to train as lifeguards. The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) hopes its #BeaLifesaver campaign will attract more members of public to the role, who might not have previously considered it as an option.

Jo Talbot, Director of RLSS UK and IQL UK Qualifications explains:

We often hear from our clients struggling to recruit lifeguards in certain areas of the country; our #BeaLifesaver campaign has been developed to help our clients make the most of the untapped work force right on their doorsteps – actively retired people, students, people with dependents or who can only work part-time.

The campaign highlights the benefits of training as a lifeguard, including gaining an internationally-recognised qualification while learning the skills to save lives. The role also offers the opportunity to work flexible hours to fit around life as a parent, keep active during retirement or as a way for students to fund their studies.

Talbot continued:

We see lifeguards as representatives of our wider community and the lifeguard workplace is one that is welcoming, inclusive and free from discrimination. We aim to attract a more diverse audience from different backgrounds to join our lifeguard community.

Martin Guyton, Chief Executive of tmactive in Tonbridge, added:

The perception of the lifeguard being an average 16-year-old school leaver filling their time, is long gone and our recruitment activity needs to reflect that. We pride ourselves on being an employer of local people and the people who use our facilities, come from all walks of life – we want our team to show that too.

For more information about how to become a pool lifeguard, visit the RLSS website.

Photo: Jeff W. Gates, U.S. Air Force licensed under Creative Commons