Cerys Turner

Experienced RNLI senior lifeguard. This is my 20th year as a member of Pen-y-bont Surf Life Saving Club and I have been a member of the committee for about 10 years, taking on a couple of different roles – initially competition officer but more recently Ladies Captain, and last year I started the role of Vice Club Captain.

Over the years, I have been selected for both Wales and GB Teams at junior and senior level – racing around the World in Japan, Australia & Europe. I was always selected as a bit of an all-rounder, but my favourite events were Board & Flags, and I was European champion at Flags.

Question from Megan: ‘How do you become a lifeguard with the RNLI and what advice could you offer in achieving this?’

I have been a professional lifeguard for about 13 years, with nearly 10 of those as senior lifeguard at Ogmore-by-Sea.

The best advice I can give to you is to start learning the ropes early. We are one of the only clubs that still run regular patrols every summer.

On these patrols, you will start to learn the dangers of the beach and how to spot them more easily. They also give you an opportunity to start talking to members of the public and offering advice, which is a key preventative action taken by RNLI lifeguards.

At the age of 16, you can complete the level 3 qualification which is essential for the role of a RNLI lifeguard, and then apply for the job.