THE RNLI is giving future lifeguards on Wirral a chance to help start their lifesaving careers by running a dedicated course to gain essential skills.

The charity is running a dedicated Beach Lifeguard course later this month to help people aged 16 gain essential qualifications which will help them apply and take the first step towards a career in lifesaving.

Once qualified, all applicants could take advantage of their new skills by applying to work for the charity as a lifeguard on Wirral beaches over the summer holidays.

The RNLI is offering the course at a discounted rate of £100 to help future lifesavers start their lifeguard career.

West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive, Leasowe Bay, The Plateaux and New Brighton beach are patrolled daily between 10am-6pm by the charity's lifeguards over the busy summer months.

The Beach Lifeguard course will be held between May 30 and 3 June (Monday to Friday).

The dedicated course will provide training and skills to help applicants secure the Beach Lifeguard (NVBLQ) qualification, an essential skill when applying for a lifeguard role. To take part in the Beach Lifeguard Course, all applicants must be aged 16 or over and be a competent swimmer.

All applicants will be required to prove their swimming ability by attending a pre-course fitness test on Sunday, May 22. This will include swimming 400 meters (16 lengths of a 25m pool) in under eight minutes.

Lucy Tilston, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor explains the career development opportunities available as a result of lifeguarding: "The skills our lifeguards gain can be a great first step towards many career paths and has already proven to be invaluable experience for those studying or training in a similar field.

"Beach lifeguarding can be a great opportunity and a very rewarding role. You could change lives – including your own - all whilst enjoying the beach as your office.

"The RNLI have decided to run the Beach Lifeguard course in the Wirral to help those who would like to explore a career in lifesaving by offering the opportunity to gain the essential qualification.

"If you can meet the fitness requirements, pass the interview and you are over school leaving age, an opportunity can be there for you to be a lifesaver.

"We have lifeguards who have been working for the RNLI for years, both on the beach and as part of our support teams.

"It really is a great opportunity."

To sign up for for more information about the Beach Lifeguard course, contact Lucy Tilston on Lucy_Tilston@rnli.org.uk or phone 07795 447824.