Summer lifeguard recruitment drive launched

A total of 37 beach lifeguard positions are available for the peak summer season

More beach lifeguards are being recruited in Brighton and Hove ahead of the summer.

A total of 37 additional positions are available for the peak summer season, which runs from 15 July to 8 September.

Applicants must be able to swim 400m in less than seven minutes and 30 seconds.

“With more than 11 million visitors to Brighton and Hove each year, you will play a major part in keeping our beaches safe and enjoyable for all who use them,” a Brighton & Hove City Council spokesman said.

In a typical summer, lifeguards in the city respond to 134 incidents, saving 40 lives and locating 145 missing people, the council said.

“It’s fair to say no day is the same, you will face challenges and you will make the difference in keeping people safe,” the spokesman added.

In May, lifeguards returned to the beaches in the city across seven towers.

Last year, the council’s leader, Bella Sankey, called for more investment in the service after the previous administration announced cuts to lifeguard services.

Applications close on 13 June.

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