THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution is seeking new recruits to help the charity keep people safe on 240 beaches in the UK.

Recruitment has opened in Dorset for this summer’s beach lifeguards, including West Bay, Lyme Regis and Weymouth.

It also wants face-to-face fundraisers.

Successful applicants for beach lifeguarding will receive training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques, as well as boosting their CV with useful skills.

Recruits will also be trained in using the latest lifesaving equipment including rescue boards, rescue tubes and defibrillators.

Brett Shepherd, RNLI lifeguard manager, said: "I think working as a lifeguard has got to be one of Britain’s best summer jobs. Of course it’s incredible to be able to call the beach your office but far more importantly than that, you are there to make sure the public enjoy it in the safest possible way.

"But make no mistake. This is a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a clear head. We want people with the courage, determination and the ability to draw on their training and make the right decision if someone’s life is in danger."

The RNLI is now also recruiting for face-to-face fundraisers, who work alongside our lifeguards on the beaches in the summer to provide people with important safety advice.

Alex Ainsworth, senior face-to-face fundraising manager said they have a key role in raising money for the charity so it can continue providing a lifesaving service.

He added that applicants would need to be dynamic and positive ambassadors for the charity, actively engaging with communities and inspiring support for the charity’s work.

He said: "A good fundraiser generally has to be friendly and relaxed, but also energetic, able to talk to anyone and have fun and be passionate about what they do.

"We will provide quality training which will make sure you feel confident and capable by the time summer begins. You’ll be developing new skills, having fun and working at the beach, this has to be one of Britain’s best summer jobs.’

Find out more at rnli.org.uk/workonthebeach

The RNLI is looking for individuals who possess an internationally recognised beach lifeguard qualification. A series of courses hosted by the RNLI and local lifesaving clubs will be held in the coming weeks and months to enable people to get this qualification. Although this does not guarantee a job as an RNLI lifeguard, individuals must also be fit and healthy and be strong swimmers.

Face to face applications close on 22 January 2017

RNLI volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service, operating more than 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 180 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK.

The RNLI is independent of coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 139,000 lives.