76. Defying Expectations: Chris Lewis

The 72-year-old RNLI lifeguard who’s still going strong

Meet Chris Lewis MBE, the RNLI’s oldest lifeguard. When Chris tried to become an RNLI lifeguard, the rules of the day meant that he was too old. Undeterred, Chris passed the RNLI’s stringent fitness tests and has never looked back.

At 72, why does he still do it? And what advice would he give to other aspiring lifeguards who might like to do ‘the best job in the world'?

Chris has been keeping people safe on Bournemouth Beach for 58 years. For his incredible lifesaving work, Chris was recently awarded an official Guinness World Records title: the longest career as a lifeguard.

Interested in being a frontline lifesaver? Like Chris, you can help keep beachgoers safe. Find out how to become a lifeguard and learn more about what’s involved in this unique and rewarding job.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by the RNLI's Darren Crew

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200