2 minute read
Column: Jo Talbot
The lifeguarding conundrum
Commercial director RLSS UK
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We’ve always known that lifeguards enjoy their work, but our first survey of 3,000 lifeguards working across the UK reveals exactly why they love the role.
Rewarding, flexible, and the chance to make a difference are some of the reasons why lifeguards find the job so rewarding. Almost three quarters (71 per cent) feel proud to know how to save a person’s life, and 60 per cent gain satisfaction from being part of a highly respected profession.
Like many others, I started my career as a lifeguard. I understand the passion people feel for the role. Lifeguarding is a fantastic springboard for a career in the leisure sector and beyond, as leading professionals testify. (See #IStartedAsALifeguard)
So why does the sector struggle to recruit lifeguards? Well, the first thing to note is that this is nothing new. I have worked in the industry for more than 20 years, including 10 years in operations as a group lifeguard manager at Places for People Leisure. During most of that time, attracting lifeguards has been a challenge.
One of the reasons is the sheer number of lifeguards required by the industry. A typical leisure centre needs 25-35 lifeguards to operate its pools safely. In addition, the sector has a problem with churn. Lifeguarding traditionally attracts young people, those in the sixth form, at college or university. The flexibility of the role means it is easy to fit around studies, but after completing their education, students tend to leave lifeguarding to take up full-time employment elsewhere. At RLSS UK, we qualify over 20,000 new lifeguards s every year, which gives you some idea of the scale of churn.
RLSS qualifies more than 20,000 new lifeguards every year
Another issue is that lifeguards are among the lowest paid in the sector – with most earning minimum wage.
Finally, the role will only ever appeal to certain people. Not everyone has what it takes to dive into a pool and save a life.
But none of this means we shouldn’t be looking for new ways to recruit and retain lifeguards. That’s why we are using social media and our #BeaLifesaver campaign to attract people who may not have considered working in the sector, let alone becoming a lifeguard.
Plus, we are offering funded lifeguard training (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification - NPLQ) as part of the Sector Skills Academies project in partnership with Active Apprentice and Vision West Nottinghamshire College. This will allow gym instructors, duty managers and others to upskill to help fill lifeguard shortages while enhancing careers so that even more people can experience this rewarding role. ● https://www.rlss.org.uk/
