RLSS UK wants more older adults to become RLSS UK qualified lifeguards to help ease the Leisure sector’s ongoing recruitment challenge.

The charity, which works with over 2,500 swimming pools across the UK and Ireland, says almost every pool operator needs help to fill lifeguard posts. Attracting more over-50s into the profession makes business sense; RLSS UK’s Lifeguard Survey 2023 shows this cohort to be more fulfilled by their work and open to ongoing training and development than their younger colleagues.

“The government wants to encourage more over-50s back into work, and lifeguarding is ideal employment for this age group for many reasons. Older workers want work that is meaningful, flexible and offers social interaction. Lifeguarding provides all this and more,” says RLSS UK Commercial Director Jo Talbot.

“Our survey shows that older lifeguards feel really positive about being part of the lifeguarding community, and 89% got the sense that they are making a difference.

They also value the role's flexibility and find it enjoyable, with 76% of respondents rating their experience working as a lifeguard as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.

According to survey results published earlier this year, lifeguards aged 50 and over are some of the most fulfilled in the profession, with 89% feeling that they make a difference through their role. 

“Enjoy the work. Enjoy the public contact. Gives me a sense of purpose.” said one older lifeguard.

“I am semi-retired, and I've taken on the role to keep fit and socially engaged,” said another lifeguard over 50.

“Ability to give back to the local swimming community and meet lots of new and enthusiastic Open Water swimmers”, said an open water lifeguard.

Jo Talbot says: “Attracting older people into lifeguarding has clear benefits for operators and workers and could be the key to solving the UK’s lifeguard shortage. We’d like to see more older adults enjoying this wonderful profession's benefits while plugging the skills gaps to ensure our pools stay open.”

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*RLSS UK Lifeguard Survey 2023 n=127 over 50.