Longest career as a lifeguard (male)

The longest career as a lifeguard is 59 years and counting, achieved by Neath-born Chris Lewis (UK), who started volunteering as a lifesaver while still at school at the age of 15 in 1965 and still serves aged 72 as a volunteer beach lifeguard for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in Bournemouth, Dorset, UK, as of March 2024.

Retired teacher Chris has served as both an active lifeguard and lifesaving instructor for decades with schools, local authorities and, since 2001, with the RNLI.

Chris has rescued hundreds of people across thousands of patrols.

Incredibly, he is still able to pass the rigorous fitness tests, which he uses as motivation to stay fit and healthy.

Chris has also served as a judge at competitions staged by the International Life Saving Federation.

His decades of work have earned him a long service award (for those with 50+ years in the field) from the Royal Life Saving Service in 2017 and, two years later, an MBE in 2019's New Year Honours List for services to maritime safety.

As well as rescuing people in the sea, RNLI lifeguards provide safety advice to beach goers, deal with lost children, and administer first aid to those in need.

Speaking about his job, Chris said: “Our day-to-day rescues are all about prevention, giving people advice and helping people so they don’t have to be rescued. However, sometimes people still do get into trouble and that’s part of the job.

“My most memorable rescue was here on Bournemouth beach, I saw three people including a 16-year-old girl, get into difficulty by the groynes. I managed to rescue all three of them, and as I came out of the water, the whole beach stood up and clapped. I’ll never forget it.”

Adam Millward, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records, said: “While I’ve fortunately never needed a lifeguard, it’s always reassuring to know there are incredible people like Chris looking out for you. Even more incredible is that much of his service has been as a volunteer. With the RNLI turning 200 and GWR 70 it is fantastic to be able to give Chris a moment in the spotlight he so rightfully deserves. Congratulations Chris, welcome to the Guinness World Records family.”