A RECRUITMENT campaign has been launched to find people interested in becoming lifeguards in North Yorkshire.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is working in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council to provide cover on beaches at Whitby, Sandsend, Filey and at Scarborough North and South Bay.

The RNLI lifeguards selected will have comprehensive on-going training meaning they are equipped to treat everything from minor cuts and bruises to performing major first-aid and lifesaving rescues. They will also be trained to provide advice and prevent accidents.

Chris Ward, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, said: “In many ways, it's a dream job, spending your working hours on the beach, with the possibility of being a lifesaver - but there's a lot more to being an RNLI lifeguard than fun on the sand.

“RNLI lifeguards are trained to a very high standard in lifeguard skills, first aid and casualty care and other competencies such as how to use rescue water crafts.

“We have a team of returning lifeguards each year who enjoy the seasonal work and are immensely proud to work for the RNLI. They get the opportunity to fulfil a vital and worthwhile role within the community whilst making new friends and developing CV enhancing skills.”

The charity will be running lifeguard courses for suitable candidates in Scarborough from February 17 to February 22 and April 21 to April 26 at a location yet to be announced.

The minimum age for applicants is 16 and candidates must have a high level of fitness.

The lifeguard service starts on May 24 and runs until September 7, seven days a week from 10am until 6pm.

For more information visit; www.rnli.org/lifeguards or contact Matt Jones, RNLI lifeguard supervisor on 01723-582301 or at; matt_jones@rnli.org.uk