RNLI holds first all-female lifeguard training camp in Newquay

Dozens of women are taking part in the the RNLI’s first all-female lifeguard training camp.

The camp in Newquay, Cornwall, comes as women make up 31% of RNLI lifeguards, a figure the charity is hoping to grow.

Millie Coates from Bude is one of those spending the week learning new rescue skills and honing existing ones. Others have travelled hundreds of miles to take part.

For Coates, one of the biggest benefits has been meeting women who understand the job and the challenges that can come with it.

“It’s been insane to meet some girls from all over the UK involved in lifeguarding,” she said.

She explained there were only three female lifeguards across the seven beaches covered by her team in north Cornwall, but said those women were “incredible” and did “an amazing job”.

She added: “We would love to get more girls for our area.”