Beach lifeguards provide a patrolling presence on beaches and other stretches of open water. They carry specific rescue equipment which they have been trained to use and which is appropriate to the place that they are working.

Beach lifeguards may also have to deal with drunks and drug users, but their main role is often to provide basic local safety knowledge to users of their beach.

The kinds of rescue that they perform often call for stamina and endurance rather than just speed. Beach lifeguards work in association with other organisations, such as the HM Coastguard, RAF Search and Rescue, local Ambulance services, the RNLI and so on.

They rarely work alone. Most beaches would be too complex to do so and this would place them in immediate danger themselves, so they are trained to act as part of a team.

Beach Lifeguard Qualification

The National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (in Britain) requires a minimum of 32 hours training for a new candidate, although exemptions may apply to holders of the following awards:

A current Bronze Medallion or higher award: 12 hours
A Life Support 3 Award: 6 hours
A First Aid at work Qualification: 9 hours


Regardless of current qualifications you may not be awarded more than 12 hours off the stipulated minimum of 32 hours.

1. You must be 16 years old or above to train as a Beach Lifeguard.
2. You must be able to attend weekly evening theory sessions or a week long course.
3. You must take the Life Support 3 award. This is an RLSS qualification and is the highest Life Support award.

   The various open water qualifications available include the National Beach Lifeguard, Assistant Beach Lifesaver, Emergency Response Outdoor Activity for Supervisors and the Bronze and Silver Crosses.

   The Emergency Response Outdoor Activity for Supervisors is a test of competence in accident prevention, Water Rescue and Life Support for those overseeing others at a recognised site used for activities in or near open water.

   The Assistant Beach Lifesaving Award is carried out by an RLSS Beach Trainer Assessor and registered through the local RLSS Branch Manager. A Lifesaving Trainer Assessor may conduct and assess three sections of this award or anyone with the Bronze Medallion would meet the criteria. However a Beach Trainer would conduct the Beach section.

   Candidates renewing the National Beach Qualification must adhere to 20 hours of ongoing training, covering the complete range of skills over a two year period. Where training records are not produced the assessment will not take place.

   Please contact your local club for current prices or if you have any questions that are not covered by the above.