THE search is on for people with courage and determination to help save lives in Rhyl and Prestatyn.

The RNLI is searching once again for a raft of new recruits to spend a season working on some of Denbighshire’s most popular beaches, as applications open for 2020 beach lifeguards.

In Denbighshire, the only county in North Wales, RNLI lifeguards will operate on a seasonal basis on the beaches of Rhyl and Prestatyn for the sixth year.

Lee Fisher, Lifeguard Services Manager says: "Working as a lifeguard is a unique and rewarding experience – you get to call the beach your office for a start.

"But far more importantly than that, you are there to make sure the public stay safe while enjoying their visit, and ultimately to help save lives at sea."

Lifeguards provide essential support to RNLI saving lives at sea. In July 2019, two Prestatyn lifeguards were instrumental in rescuing two teens who had drifted out to sea when offshore winds meant that sea was unsafe for inflatables.

At the forefront of the RNLI’s lifesaving work, the charity’s lifeguards responded to almost 20,000 incidents and helped more than 32,000 people in 2018. Successful applicants receive world-class training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques, good rates of pay and the chance to develop valuable skills for a future career.

Off the beach, the training provided by the charity can be an ideal first step towards many career paths, including continuing to work for the RNLI or for a career in the emergency services.

Mr Fisher added: "This is a demanding job requiring commitment, skill and a clear head, but it’s also a job that is truly life changing.

"We’re looking for people with courage, determination and the ability to put their training into action and make the right decision if someone’s life is in danger. It is an incredibly rewarding role."

In order to apply, there is a requirement to hold a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) or equivalent as well as a health assessment, including an eyesight test

Lifeguards must be able to complete: A 400m pool swim in under seven-and-a-half minutes -the first 200m of which must be completed in under three-and-a-half minutes - alongside a 25m pool swim underwater and a 25m surface swim consecutively in under 50 seconds and a 200m beach run in under 40 seconds.

For more information or to apply visit rnli.org/bealifeguard.