Residents visiting Cobourg’s waterfront Tuesday morning are being advised not to be alarmed if they notice an increased emergency services presence on Lake Ontario.
The Town of Cobourg says the Fire Department will conduct a joint-agency water rescue training exercise on Tuesday, July 7, from approximately 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The exercise will feature two simultaneous rescue scenarios on Lake Ontario, with emergency crews recovering two mannequins from the water as part of the training. A small Canadian Coast Guard vessel and shore-based water rescue teams will be operating in the area around the Coast Guard Station.
The training will involve personnel from the Cobourg Fire Department, Cobourg Police Service, Northumberland OPP, Canadian Coast Guard and EMS. According to the Town, the exercise is designed to strengthen coordination between agencies and identify opportunities to improve emergency communications during water rescue incidents.
As part of the exercise, the Cobourg Police Service will also be operating a drone to assist with the training.
Members of the public may notice emergency vehicles, rescue personnel and activity on the water during the exercise. Signs will be posted around the area indicating that training is taking place.
Town officials say the exercise is part of ongoing emergency preparedness efforts to ensure first responders are ready to respond quickly and effectively during real-life emergencies on Lake Ontario.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
