A top UK trainer is back in Bermuda for a second stint of intensive classes aimed at coaching the custodians of Bermuda’s beaches.

The goal, according to lifeguard superintendent Nathan Trott, is to become “the best life saving service on Island for the public” ­— as well as teaching the local service to train others.

“I’m here from the UK representing the Royal Life Saving Society, delivering various training courses for the Trainer Assessor programme,” trainer Jason Dodman told The Royal Gazette.

“It’s a week of courses of an intensive nature. They have to learn how to teach — to get knowledge across to other candidates, and then how to assess them as well.”

Outside of the UK, Mr Dodman has taught in Egypt, Austria and the Channel Islands.

When asked how Bermuda’s lifeguards, who operate on four beaches, measured up, he said: “They’re good.”

Despite yesterday’s rain there were hundreds of visitors and locals watching the training at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

“We don’t get this kind of opportunity too often — we try to have training every two years,” Mr Trott explained. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have Mr Dodman two years in a row.”

All three candidates are senior lifeguards, he said.

“They’ve put in the minimum four years on the beach and dedication to the service — with that experience, they were offered this opportunity, which they’ve gladly taken up.”

Mr Dodman’s visit, paid for by the Department of Parks, springs from the 2008 decision to reconnect with the RLSS and get the Island’s lifeguard service to an international level of accreditation — “and get our own trainers on the Island”, said Mr Trott.

“Some of these guys are still studying. There’s a potential for them to travel the world with this certification.

It’s a huge responsibility, but there’s also the opportunity for them to make some cash.”

Mr Dodman, who returns home on Monday, said the RLSS certification is world-recognised.

The recent extreme weather made courses, such as the jet ski training, “very enjoyable, and a lot more like real-life worst case scenarios”, senior lifeguard James Adams said.

Currently at school in the United Kingdom, Mr Adams said he’d be keen to teach skills abroad and “show all that I’ve learned over six seasons”.

“A goal of mine was to get into the police and give people hands-on experience,” he added.

In Bermuda’s waters the main risks to swimmers come from rip currents and, during May to June, the stinging Portuguese Man o’ War. Other injuries come from popular pursuits like cliff-jumping.

Asked how the current season had turned out, Mr Adams said: “No major first aid — we’ve treated a broken ankle and dealt with some Man o’ War stings, but it’s been relatively quiet in comparison to other seasons.

“Not too many hiccups. It’s been one of the better seasons.”