Sunday evening marked the end of Peak Season for 2026 in South Devon.

As Peak Season comes to a close, patrols have now finished for the year at Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Hope Cove, and Bigbury North (Burgh Island Causeway).

RNLI Lifeguards will continue to patrol Bantham, Sedgewell Cove (Bigbury), and Challaborough every day from 10am to 6pm until the end of September.

With many members of the team finishing and moving on to new jobs, opportunities, and chapters in their lives, the RNLI would like to thank every one of them for the dedication, professionalism, and commitment they have shown throughout the season.

Their hard work has helped keep thousands of beach visitors safe.

To become a lifeguard next year you need to be over 16 and of school-leaving age (with the permission of parent/guardian, if under 18).

There is no upper limit, with many starting their lifeguard career later in life.

Some are lifeguarding 60 years after their first season.

You must be willing to provide a DBS check or national/international equivalent.

You must hold a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) or equivalent or ILS Beach/Surf Lifeguard qualification or equivalent.

You can find out if your beach/surf lifeguard qualification is recognised on the ILS websites.

You’ll need to take a health assessment (including an eyesight test) to ensure you are physically up to the job.

This applies even if you've worked as an RNLI lifeguard before.

Complete a 400m pool swim in under seven and a half minutes, the first 200m of which must be completed in under three and a half minutes.

Complete a 25m pool swim underwater and a 25m surface swim consecutively in under 50 seconds.

Complete a 200m beach run in under 40 seconds.

You also need to be focused, vigilant, proactive and professional, with excellent people and rescue skills.

Be approachable, someone who enjoys meeting people and helping them stay safe.

Be a team player, get on well with other people, communicate easily and follow direction when required to.