Bermuda’s qualified lifeguards have completed the second day of a three-day intense training course.

Considered “professional rescuers”, who work for the Department of Parks, lifeguards have to stay up to date with current practices and as such annual training is mandatory.

They have to carry out core lifesaving skills and physical fitness assessments before returning to service each season and they are trained and assessed by certified and current Royal Life Saving Society UK Trainers/Assessors.

In comparison, new lifeguards must go through a 56-hour (weeklong) training course.

Throughout the six-month lifeguard season, they will also undergo monthly physical assessments.

The main duties of lifeguards in Bermuda include:

• Observing aquatic activities in designated patrolled areas in order to prevent emergency situations.

• Responding to both land and aquatic emergencies.

• Providing immediate first aid and emergency care to injured or unwell patrons.

• Informing and educating the public on beach/water safety through formal and informal contacts.

• Enforcing the 1988 Bermuda National Parks Regulations.