Applications for lifeguarding training led by the RNLI close tomorrow as the charity looks for new recruits for Dorset’s beaches.

The RNLI is looking for strong swimmers with a good level of fitness to patrol areas such as Bournemouth, Boscombe and Sandbanks this summer, with 2,149 incidents having been reported by lifeguards in 2014.

First aid was administered 1,752 times and 183 missing children were found by the men and women wearing the red and yellow uniforms last year, with eight lives saved by the RNLI team.

New candidates will need to prove that they are courageous, selfless, trustworthy and dependable enough to make the grade and will in return receiving world-class training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques.

A course to learn the vital training is being offered at the rate of £53 per person by the charity, but people must register their interest by Sunday, March 1.

Barry Heathfield, RNLI lifeguard manager based in Dorset, described being a lifeguard as Dorset’s best summer job.

He added: “The beach is your office. You get paid to train, practice water rescue and first aid skills so you’re ready to leap into action and save a life at a moment’s notice.

“Lifeguards come from all walks of life including teachers, business owners and gap year travellers, but we do recruit a lot of students and college pupils because it’s a seasonal job.”

Email kester_sheppard@rnli.org.

uk by tomorrow for more and for more on lifeguard recruitment, go to rnli.org.uk/jobs