Lifeguards on Rescue Water Craft

THE NEXT BEACH LIFEGUARD COURSE STARTS RUNS OVER 4 WEEKENDS IN APRIL WHICH IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET QUALIFIED FOR SUMMER 2008!

North Tyneside Council is on the look-out for new recruits to become part of the 2008 beach lifeguard team. The team is made up of male and female lifeguards of all ages, ranging from those who have years of experience to new 'rookie' lifeguards working their first season.

There will be more than 30 full-time and part-time lifeguard positions next summer and the council will be looking for a number of newly-qualified lifeguards. Sunderland City Council, South Tyneside Council, Hartlepool Borough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Council in the north-east are also recruiting lifeguards in time for summer 2008, along with other local authorities and beach lifeguard service providers across the UK.

To view details of jobs and how to apply, please visit the Beach Lifeguard Jobs page.

However, budding beach lifeguards are advised they will first need the Royal Lifesaving Society's (RLSS) National Beach Lifeguard Qualification, which they can gain this winter.

Lifeguard watching the water

The council's training partners, North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards (NSVL), have arranged a course for prospective lifeguards to gain the RLSS qualification. The course will run over 4 weekends in April and will ensure potential lifeguards are fully qualified in time for the summer. 

Applicants must be aged at least 16, however there is no upper age limit. Certain fitness requirements must be met. NSVL lifeguard trainer Geoff Wade said: "Although a reasonable standard of swimming is required, being a lifeguard requires many other skills. "There is plenty of time for candidates to improve their swimming and fitness before the assessment at the end of the course."

To find out more information, visit the Beach Lifeguard pages .