#RNLI - The RNLI is currently recruiting lifeguards to work on 10 Northern Ireland beaches for the forthcoming season including seven beaches along the Causeway Coast.

The successful candidates will become part of the RNLI’s beach lifeguard team who will monitor and advise the public of any dangers or hazards and carry out rescues.



The charity provides a seasonal service on seven beaches along the Causeway Coast including Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West Bay & East Strand and Whiterocks.

This is the third year the lifeboat charity’s lifeguards have provided a lifeguard service in Northern Ireland, offering beach-goers and water users a seamless rescue service from the beach to open sea working alongside RNLI lifeboats.  



The closing date for applicants is Sunday 17 February 2013. A detailed description of the RNLI lifeguard role is available at www.rnli.org/lifeguards.



A key part of an RNLI lifeguard's job is to spot dangers before they develop, and 95% of their role is preventative. Their presence on the beach provides reassurance to the public while also offering any help or advice to help people enjoy their beach experience in a safe environment.



To many beach users they are a reassuring presence but they also carry out many other important functions. They assess the conditions on the beach and place zone flags and warning signs to advise the public. They carry out rescues to help people who have got into difficulty in the water or who need assistance.  They also provide first aid, help with lost children, give advice, report hazards, and assist with beach safety and education programmes. They train and preform to their duties to the highest RNLI standards.



The RNLI has about 50 positions available and many former lifeguards are expected to return for the new season. However, there are a number of positions vacant and the charity would like to hear from interested people. The minimum age for applicants is 16 years and candidates must have a high level of fitness.  



Mike Grocott, RNLI lifeguard manager for Northern Ireland, said: “RNLI lifeguards are a vital part of the charity’s lifesaving service. Last year they dealt with 126 incidents and assisted 142 people on the Causeway Coast.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for people to do a job that is both fulfilling and enjoyable. Our lifeguards speak to hundreds of people over the course of the season and get the opportunity to do something important and rewarding in the community.



"The ideal applicant will already hold an International Lifesaving Approved Beach Lifeguard Award but if candidates need to get qualified we can put them in touch with local providers of courses.”



Limavady and Coleraine Councils along with the National Trust provide funding towards the lifeguards’ wages while the RNLI funds the training and equipment.

#RNLI - In what seems like a perfect match of skills, BBC News reports on a group of five surfers from Jersey who are being trained as lifeguards by the RNLI.

The surfers have graduated from voluntary beach patrols to learning about hazard awareness, accident prevention, first aid and open water rescue skills, according to RNLI lifeguard supervisor Rob Stuteley.

It's hoped that the scheme will "play a big part in encouraging more local people to sign up to join the RNLI lifeguard team for 2013".

And maybe it will provide some inspiration for surfers and lifesavers around the Irish coast, too!

#WATER SAFETY - This coming Friday 30 March is the closing date for applications for Fingal County Council beach lifeguards for the 2012 summer season.

Lifeguard cover will be provided on Fingal beaches on weekdays and weekends 11am to 7pm from 2 July till the last week of August, depending on weather and staff levels.

Beaches and bathing places scheduled to be guarded this summer include Balbriggan (front beach), Skerries South, Loughskinny, Rush North and South Shores, Portrane (Tower Bay and The Brook), Donabate, Malahide, Portmarnock, Sutton (Burrow Road) and Howth (Claremount).

Applicants must be not less than 17 years of age on 1 May 2012. Application forms are available to download HERE.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is now recruiting beach lifeguards for the summer season.

Applicants must be 17 years old on 1 April 2011, and hold a valid Beach Lifesaving Award/Qualification from the Irish Water Safety authority, Royal Lifesaving Society or equivalent which is no more than two years old. They must also have a knowledge of cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

Desired attributes include an understanding of local effects on beaches, such as rip currents and undertow, and a knowledge of water sports enjoyed by the public.

Interviews will be followed by a swimming test, and successful candidates will be subject to Garda vetting.

Application forms are available from the DLR County Council Office, Dundrum Office Park, Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14 or from the information desk at County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

The closing date for applications is 4.30pm on Thursday 31 March 2011.

For more details can be found on the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council website.

Fingal County Council is currently welcoming applications for weekend and weekday lifeguards for the 2001 summer season.

Anyone aged at least 17 years on 1 May 2011 is eligible to apply.

Application forms are available from Fingal County Council, Operations Department 2nd Floor, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 or from the reception desk at County Hall in Swords.

Alternatively forms can be downloaded from www.fingalcoco.ie or from Irish Water Safety's website at www.iws.ie.

The closing date for applications is 4.30pm on Friday 8 April.