Lifeguard applications to close this week
Talks have started between the Bermuda Government and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to consider how support for the island’s lifeguard services could be provided from overseas.
The parks department is in the midst of a recruitment drive to fill positions for the 2025 season.
Last year, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, described attracting people to the job as “mission impossible” and after three men died from swimming-related incidents at two beaches.
A ministry spokesman told The Royal Gazette that discussions were under way with the RNLI “to seek additional lifeguard support from overseas”.
He added: “Substantive details will be released at a later date.”
The RNLIworks with leaders and organisations to establish rescue services and prevent drowning around the world.
Its lifeguards performed almost three million preventive measures and saved 86 lives on beaches across Britain and the Channel Islands in 2023.
A RNLI spokesman said yesterday that discussions with the ministry were at a “very preliminary stage”.
The public works ministry spokesman revealed that seven people had applied to be lifeguards as of January 7.
The parks department is authorised to employ up to 20 lifeguards at any given time.
The Government has advertised for lifeguards, with a deadline set for Friday, and the ministry spokesman said it was likely that there will be a need to readvertise the position.
Hyon Duk Shin, a 49-year-old visitor from Pennsylvania, died while trying to save a child struggling in the waves at Horseshoe Bay on March 27.
Another visitor, 48-year-old Jamie Lambros from New York, was pronounced dead at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after trying to assist someone in distress at Horseshoe Bay on October 7.
Angelito Manila, a 44-year-old guest worker from the Philippines, died days after being found unresponsive in the waters of Elbow Beach on October 24.
No lifeguards were present when the incidents occurred.
Despite increasing pay and fast-tracking work permits to recruit more lifeguards, there were only 14 on the island’s beaches as of June – not enough to provide extensive coverage beyond Horseshoe Bay.
The spokesman added that 76 per cent of full-time or reserve lifeguards in 2023 returned to patrol the island’s beaches last year.
This is a 14 per cent increase on the return rate from 2022 to 2023, but down from a return rate of more than 80 per cent seen in previous years.
Full-time lifeguards are expected to work 40 hours a week, generally between April and November.
Reserves must commit to at least eight hours per month, but are eligible to complete the same hours as full-time staff.
The job advertisement said lifeguards must be “mature, reliable people”, able to respond to incidents on land and water and deliver first-aid and emergency care.
The ministry spokesman said last week: “Lifeguards are the cornerstone of our commitment to beach and water safety in Bermuda.
“Their vigilance and skill prevent countless emergencies and reassure residents and visitors alike.”
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and need to pass an initial swim assessment to qualify for the mandatory training course.
The first three swim assessments took place at the National Sports Centre this month.
Recruitment packages can be collected at the Department of Parks office on Church Street or at gov.bm/online-services/lifeguard service.
• Call 236-5902 or e-mail njtrott@gov.bm for more information
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