With the beach as their office, it’s no surprise that many lifeguards say their job is the best in the world. But it’s also about purpose. Lifeguarding attracts people from all walks of life, young and old, united by the desire to help people enjoy beaches safely.

In the final episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach with the RNLI, we hear why lifeguards love the job – and the opportunities it can lead to. From creative side-hustles to careers in the emergency services, we dive into the fascinating professional lives of current and former lifeguards.

We also hear from Gary, who shares how after a lifeguard helped save his life in 2009, he’s now fundraising for the charity to which he owes his life.

Credit:

WE ARE LIFEGUARDS is an RNLI production Interviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley, Siobhan McGarry and Charlotte Hill Sound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding – find out more at RNLI.org/lifeguard25

Lifeguarding isn’t always about battling the surf or performing dramatic beach rescues. Did you know that 95% of a lifeguard’s work is preventative? From spotting dangers before they happen, to offering safety advice on the beach and in classrooms, RNLI lifeguards strive to help people enjoy the beach safely.

In the fourth episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI, we hear how RNLI lifeguards work in communities across the UK and Channel Islands to deliver lifesaving skills and advice. Learn how some lifeguards have been trying British Sign Language, while others hop onto social media trends to spread the word. And Ruth shares her story of how a lifeguard told her about the RNLI’s Float to Live advice just 3 days before it ended up saving her life.

Credit:

WE ARE LIFEGUARDS is an RNLI production Interviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley and Charlotte Hill Sound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding - find out more at RNLI.org/Lifeguard25

Learn how to keep safe at the beach with advice from the RNLI’s water safety experts at RNLI.org/safety

RNLI lifeguards are trained to high fitness standards to be able to respond instantly. But what equipment do they need to help get the job done?

In the third episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI, we learn from experts from the RNLI’s lifeguarding service about the kit they rely on, as well as the unique challenges they face keeping it ready for rescue.

Holidaymaker Josh recalls how, when he got caught in a rip current while bodyboarding in Newquay, the sight of an RNLI lifeguard cutting through the swell on a rescue watercraft towards him was the biggest relief of his life.

Credits:

We Are Lifeguards is an RNLI production Interviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley and Charlotte Hill Sound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding - find out more at RNLI.org/Lifeguard25

Find kit to keep you safe in and around the water at shop.RNLI.org