Left, lifeguards carry “victim” Felicia Fletcher to shore, during the mock emergency demonstration, July 5; while Madison Ashton, right, Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club, makes her way to shore.

Hub Staff

Saugeen Shores Emergency Services and the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club (SSLC) came together in the name of water safety and performed a mock emergency drill on Port Elgin’s Main Beach, July 5.

The SSLC responded to a staged crash between a small ski boat and a jet ski. Lifesavers attended to four victims in the water, one from the jet ski portrayed by Felicia Fletcher who suffered a head injury and a gash to the head. The second victim, Austin DeVries, was ejected from the boat and suffered a dislocated shoulder. The third victim, found in the roughest shape and brought back to shore first by rescuers, was portrayed by McLean Reid. He was ejected from the boat and found unconscious. The driver of the boat was portrayed by former Trustee, Bluewater District, Kevin Larson, whose character suffered a gash to his hand and appeared intoxicated. He was rescued by a police boat.

Mock emergency calls resulted in quick responses from Saugeen Shores Fire Department and Bruce County Emergency Medical Services (EMS). First responders took over for the lifeguards on scene.

Saugeen Shores Aquatic Supervisor, Shanna Reid was one of the coordinators of the mock emergency which, in part, demonstrated the skills of the SSLC. Club members are ranked nationally and compete internationally; and utilize the beach as much as they can to teach training camps during the summer months.

Reid said she was “pleased as punch” with how the club members performed during the 25 minute demonstration. “They did exactly what they needed to do. The two individuals that came in fairly quickly, they were both to shore in three minutes, they were the casualties that were non-breathing and our critical head injury,” Reid said.

She continued proudly, "the individual that came in a little bit later, they were living and breathing and walking themselves, so that was a non-priority. They (lifesavers) did exactly what they needed to do, they met their training tonight.”

Saugeen Shores Fire Chief, Phil Eagleson was also pleased with the demonstration. "We had the absolute perfect condition and things were staged so I hope things go this smoothly when we have a real emergency on the shoreline," he said.

When asked about opportunities to improve, Eagleson stated that the capacity for better communication through use of their radio systems could be enhanced.

Beforehand the mock emergency members of the SSLC were at the beach operating a water safety booth along with members from Red Cross. The focus of both the booth and the staged accident was to raise awareness of safety training which included CPR, awareness of boating sober and the need for lifejackets on waterways and lakes.

According to statistics from the Red Cross, 65 percent of boating related deaths involve alcohol. In Ontario there are approximately 178 drownings in and around waterways every year, the majority of which (65 percent) take place between the months of May and September.

Michael Hundt (left) Mike Bohnert and Brett Renshaw (right) pull “victim” McLean Reid, to shore.

Lifeguard Alanna Kozak did chest compressions on “victim” McLean Reid as fire fighters got ready to carry him to a waiting ambulance.

First responders work on the critical victim, during the mock emergency demonstration, July 7.

Members of the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club moved quickly by swimming using a Surf Ski and three Paddle boards to assess the accident.