NEWQUAY RNLI lifeguards literally dived in headfirst to raise funds to mark the charity’s 200th anniversary on Friday night.

The team took part in a sponsored swim at Newquay Leisure World.

The challenge was to complete 200 underwater lengths and 200 freestyle swimming lengths of the 25m swimming pool in under one hour as a team.

The lifeguards smashed the challenge and completed the combined total distance of 10 kilometres in 38 minutes, which raised £240 for the RNLI.

The fundraiser replicated one of the fitness tests people have to achieve to qualify to become a RNLI lifeguard, which involves swimming 25 metres underwater, followed by an immediate return length freestyle stroke, all of which must be completed in under 50 seconds.  

Four lifeguards went off every minute in order to complete the challenge, and more than 40 lifeguards took part. 

Lewis Timson, the lead lifeguard supervisor, said: “I am very proud of the team and the service.

“It was a great evening, and the team excelled themselves. There was a great atmosphere and team spirit.

“It was just the boost we needed heading into our busiest week of the year.

Anyone who would like to support the fundraiser can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rnli-onecrew-200-swim-challenge?newPage=true