As a mother frantically screams for her son, life guards try to keep the woman calm while more resources arrive.
Christopher is an autistic 15-year-old who doesn’t speak but was last seen near the water at Cobourg beach.
It’s one of the 20 scenarios played out by YMCA Northumberland life guards, Cobourg Police, Cobourg Fire Department, Northumberland OPP, Northumberland County Paramedics, and other town staff.
The exercise dealt with policies and procedures for missing persons.
The event was organized by Cobourg Emergency Planner Shannon Murphy.
With the Waterfront Festival taking place this coming weekend and a number of rides already set up the scenarios dealt with a variety of emergencies including lost children and elderly adults requiring medication.
“We’re going into a very busy time, so it’s a great time to go over the policies and make sure staff know what to do, but in addition know that resources like Cobourg fire, Cobourg police, OPP, EMS are here to help them and they aren’t alone when someone is reported missing.”
On a long weekend there could be upwards of 7,000 people in the area of Victoria Park and Cobourg beach and with that amount of people, someone could get lost very easily.
Murphy says when coming to a crowded area like Cobourg beach or Victoria Park, snap a quick picture of anyone that could be vulnerable in your group.
“So often, we’ll ask parents what were they wearing and there is no memory of what they had on.”
“Talk about where you are and point out the tower you are closest too.”
Often Murphy explains children might see the water and get so excited they forget where they were located.
After the scenario, Murphy said she was extremely please. how the exercise went.
“It was incredible. All emergency personnel on site was very extremely impressed with the professionalism of the YMCA staff. These are teenagers that have trained, but I really feel confident going into the Canada Day weekend. At all times they were professional, remained calm and worked as a team which is vital in an emergency.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
