Trainees at the National Lifeguard Training Centre in Newquay started the new season in style last week with the help of colourful, new rash vests provided by family baker Warburtons.

The students were the first this year to undergo intensive lifeguard training at the centre located at Lusty Glaze Beach. This meant they were also the first to try out the new rash vests sponsored by Warburtons

All recruits who train for the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NBLQ) in 2008 will wear the fetching, red tops to help keep them safe and visible during instruction on the beach and in the sea.

Warburtons, which supplies bread and baked products to shops nationwide, is keen to promote healthy active lifestyles and get involved with community projects, so support for the National Lifeguard Training Centre was a natural choice.

Mark Morsby, from Warburtons’ Newton Abbot depot, said: “As a family baker, still run by the fifth generation of the Warburton family, we are committed to supporting projects and organisations that have a real impact on the local community. The lifeguards do a fantastic job at keeping people safe and in their bright new rash vests, they’re not going to be missed!”

The centre at Lusty Glaze, which is part of Cornwall College, has earned a reputation as the UK’s leading provider of beach lifeguard training courses.

Each year the centre receives applications from across Britain and abroad from potential lifesavers keen to gain their NBLQ at Lusty Glaze.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) backed qualification is an essential requirement for working as a lifeguard or surf coach on British beaches and is valid in many countries worldwide.

One of trainees – Pierre Tallon-Queraud from France – decided to join the course so he could work as a surf instructor this summer. “I’m in Cornwall studying Surf Science as a university degree. I also do some work for the British Surfing Association and they encouraged me to take this course so I could teach surf lessons.”

Although the course is open to anyone, trainees must be physically fit and strong swimmers. Students, who are examined at the end of the course, also learn about sea safety, rescue techniques and a range of medical conditions.

Liskeard surfer Jak Smith was another of the trainees last week. He said: “I’ve got a possible job in Portugal so I was very keen to take this course. I just like being on the beach and want to teach surfing, so this qualification will enable me to do what I enjoy most.”

Throughout the spring and summer hundreds more potential lifesavers will undergo rescue training at the Lusty Glaze centre.

Dave Whelan, Training Centre Programme Manager, commented: “Lifeguards are the unsung heroes of our beaches, working hard day in and day out to patrol beaches and save lives. We’re grateful for the support of Warburton’s in helping us to produce the next generation of heroes on our beaches.”

* There are a few more spaces available on Beach Lifeguard courses this season and positions exist for qualified lifeguard instructors. For more information, please contact the National Lifeguard Training Centre on 01637 879642 or visit www.beach-lifeguard.co.uk