Sam Kendrick

A rare opportunity has arisen for strong swimmers to join Norfolk’s very own ‘Baywatch’ team.

The RNLI has been successfully patrolling beaches in Norfolk since 2007 and has a number of summer vacancies for recruits aged 16 and over to join its experienced returning beach lifeguards.

Lifeguard supervisor Sam Kendrick, responsible for RNLI patrolled beaches from Gorleston to Sheringham, said: “Usually we can fill all the vacancies with existing lifeguards and through word of mouth so this is a rare opportunity.”

Stressing the importance of the role on beaches which can become packed with thousands of people on sunny days, he highlighted the fact that RNLI lifeguards saved four lives along the Norfolk coast last year, including two swimmers who got into trouble near the reefs at Sea Palling.

He said: “In total, during the holiday season we were involved in 673 incidents on beaches from Gorleston through to Sheringham, including rescues, assists, finding lost children and administering first aid.

“Lifeguards have to be very adaptable as the job is very varied. On one day in Mundesley last summer 23 people had to be treated for painful weever fish stings.”

Mr Kendrick said he was confident that the professionalism of the RNLI had improved the lifeguard service across the county since they had taken over patrols in North Norfolk in 2007 and the Great Yarmouth area from 2008.

He said: “A lot of our work is preventative. If there is an offshore wind blowing, making it dangerous to put inflatables in the water, we will normally approach families and advise them as soon as we see them bringing them on the beach.”

The charity’s lifeguards are equipped with the latest lifesaving skills and kit, and are paid at least £7.11 an hour.

They must hold and maintain a valid surf lifesaving qualification and this year North Norfolk Surf Life Saving Club will be running SLSGB Surf Lifeguard courses in Cromer and Gorleston during the Easter holidays, to give those not yet qualified the same chance to apply.

Courses will run from April 1 to 6 and cost £230 for the complete course and assessment. The training is designed to invest in the lifesaving future of the county and the safety of its beachgoers for summers to come.

Lifeguard manager Vince Pank said: “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.”

Once recruited, RNLI lifeguards undergo further intensive training in vital areas such as rescue board skills, search and rescue patterns and casualty care. 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 the SLSGB Surf Lifeguard are encouraged to contact Mr Pank at vincent_pank@rnli.org.uk or 07917 581567.