Marvin OnumonuThe Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and Future Fit have agreed a partnership to help keep more lifeguards working in the leisure sector.
The move aims to make it easier for lifeguards to move into other roles across fitness, wellbeing and management.
Future Fit, a provider of health and fitness training in the UK, will offer a 15% discount on its main fitness qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD) products to all RLSS UK-qualified lifeguards.
The discount can be accessed through a referral code from the RLSS UK network.
Jo Talbot, commercial director at the RLSS UK, said: “This meaningful and proactive partnership is not only supporting our current lifeguard workforce but also helping to combat the industry challenges around staff retention.
“It amazes me how many people in our sector started their journey as lifeguards before progressing into fitness, swim teaching, or management.
“If we can showcase these career pathways and provide affordable training opportunities, we can support people in building careers in our sector.”
Talbot added: “Working with Future Fit gives us peace of mind that we are guiding our lifeguards towards high-quality, professional training and setting them up for an exciting future.”
The firms plan further initiatives including health and wellbeing awareness, aquatic fitness training, webinars, and options for free or funded training.
Tom Godwin, group operations director at Future Fit, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with RLSS UK to create meaningful career pathways for lifeguards.
“At Future Fit, we believe in developing well-rounded fitness professionals, and this partnership allows us to help talented individuals expand their skills beyond the poolside.
“By providing accessible, high-quality training opportunities, we’re not only supporting individual career growth but also addressing the industry-wide challenge of retention.”
Godwin added: “Together with RLSS UK, we’re committed to showcasing the diverse and rewarding career paths available within the physical activity sector.”
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) has backed the partnership.
Tara Dillon, CEO at the CIMSPA, said: “As someone who started their career as a lifeguard, I know how the skills and knowledge you develop in the role can positively impact your whole career.
“This partnership is really important for helping employers and deployers retain and develop our talented lifeguards who have a passion for the sector.
“Having opportunities to develop their skills and careers will enable our lifeguards to plan a long-term career in the sector and to support more people in experiencing the benefits of being physically active.”
