Today lifeguards are a common sight throughout the world's beaches. Lifeguarding originated from groups of beach goers who realized the dangers of the ocean. They formed groups of volunteers and patrolled beaches that were potentially dangerous due to large ocean swells, unpredictable currents and the lack of swimming knowledge of beach visitors. The increasing popularity of beaches made lifeguards a necessity, due to the important service that they provided to the community. The Bermuda Lifeguard Service was pioneered in 1987 with guards at Horseshoe Bay and John Smiths Bay. Patrols were extended to Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay in 1996. These lifeguard patrols supply a necessary service to both the local and tourist communities of Bermuda.

The Bermuda Lifeguard Service employs twelve Full-time lifeguards and any number of Reserve lifeguards to cover four of the Islands beaches. These beaches include Horseshoe, John Smiths, Clearwater and Turtle. Lifeguard coverage on the Island is only seasonal. Horseshoe remains open from May 1st until October 31st. The other beaches will remain open from May 24th until Labour Day. The hiring of lifeguards is based on the following: performance on the training course, work history and evaluations, availability throughout the season, and status as a Bermudian. The final decision on full time positions is made by the Superintendent, who is currently Mr. Jamie Pedro. This decision is based on his belief of who is best prepared for the responsibilities of the job and who exemplifies the traits and characteristics of a good lifeguard. Full-time lifeguards work a variable five day 40 hour week. The working day lasts from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. There is a lifeguard roster that rotates each week. Reserve lifeguards must meet all the same prerequisite and training requirements and must pass the same assessment tests as full time lifeguards in order to qualify. Reserves work part time on weekends or when the service is understaffed, when someone is sick, absent or during shortages at the end of the season.

 

Anyone who is sixteen years of age or older, who is good health, and is a strong swimmer may apply for employment as a lifeguard. All applicants must complete a swim test; consisting of a 500 metre swim in open water. References are checked, and interviews may be conducted of applicants who were successful on the swim test. Those selected then undergo a training course of approximately 56 hours duration. Previous swimming, lifesaving and first aid experience or qualifications are an advantage. However they are not accepted in lieu of attending any part of the training course, and attendance at all modules of the course is necessary before qualification. Upon successful completion of the training course, trainees will undergo a scenarios assessment day in order to test the skills learned in a simulated emergency environment. If successful in the scenarios assessment, applicants must then pass five final assessment tests. These tests include a written test, a resuscitation practical test, and three physical assessments, which consist of a run, a swim and a paddleboard. If necessary, there may be a further interview of applicants who have passed the training course before the final selections for employment.

Initial training consists of a 56 hour course which covers basic lifeguarding; basic rescue; rescue techniques; emergency action plans; first responder first aid and CPR; use of oxygen equipment; fitness; and equipment use and maintenance. Returning lifeguards must also pass a swim test, complete a 36 hour training course and pass the scenario and final assessment tests in order to requalify each year. It must be stressed that the initial training course will not cover the complete job of lifeguarding. It is an introduction to the job and all the skills needed. There is much to be learned in a lifeguard's "at the beach" experiences, in on-going training and in contacts with other agencies in related fields. New lifeguards can also talk to more experienced lifeguards, and gain new insights and knowledge from them.