First responders in Saugeen Shores put their skills to the test with a water rescue drill on Lake Huron.
Emergency crews from the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club joined firefighters, paramedics and police were given the job of responding to a simulated boating accident off the Port Elgin beach, with multiple casualties to remove from the water as curious onlookers gathered on the shore.
Steve Schaus is the deputy chief of Bruce County EMS and says paramedics are not able to train for situations involving water very often, so they welcomed the chance to participate.
"You don't train for scenarios like this down at the water and every opportunity that we have, I feel that it's a great benefit to the staff," says Schaus. "And it lets the public know that we're training for stuff like this too."
Saugeen Shores Fire Chief Phil Eagleson says everything went according to plan, though he points out it's rare to have emergency calls on the water, as Saugeen Shores does not have as many drownings as other communities on the Lake Huron coast.
He says they will take a look at their radio system in the wake of the exercise, adding they would like to add more capacity to their radio network in order to ensure all agencies can communicate effectively during an actual emergency.
Saugeen Shores aquatics supervisor Shanna Reid says the lifesaving club used the exercise to promote public awareness of the dangers of drinking and boating, as well urging people to always wear a life jacket while on the water and to receive first aid training.
(photo by Jordan MacKinnon)
(photo by Jordan MacKinnon)
