Police and Beau Sejour work together in simulated Emergency Exercise

Friday 16 August 2024

Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, in partnership with Guernsey Police, successfully conducted an emergency training exercise at the end of July, to help train staff for an emergency scenario.

The exercise was held as part of the Centre's annual Emergency Evacuation Training Day, where the building is closed to the public for staff training, and involved a simulated hostage situation.

Officers from Guernsey Police's Tactical Firearms Unit successfully concluded the staged crisis with minimal 'casualties', while Centre staff assisted with an evacuation of the entire building.

Penny Weaver, Operations and Events Manager and one of the Training Day Organisers, said:

"We were very fortunate to work closely with Guernsey Police and the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC) to make sure the emergency scenario was as realistic as possible. Exercises like this allow our staff to engage in comprehensive training that simulates a wide range of emergency scenarios, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to respond adeptly in real-life situations. We are so lucky to live in somewhere as safe as Guernsey, but it is still important we are aware of how to handle situations of any kind. This kind of joined up training was so valuable in learning lessons which we will hopefully never have to apply in real life, but will be able to if needed."

Sam Herridge, Head of Recreation Services, said:

"Every member of our staff team has a vital role to play in any emergency scenario - whether that's to just follow instructions, or to help members of the public vacate the building who might be scared or less able than others. This on-going training is a part of our commitment to ensure the safety and welfare of both our staff team and members of the public who use Beau Sejour and its facilities."

Guernsey Police's Chief Inspector Liam Johnson said:

"Training days with parts of the community such as Beau Sejour always hold huge value for our officers. One of the most critical parts of an emergency response is good joined up working, and by training together, in the very unlikely event a major incident was to take place, we would already have experience working together. Guernsey is a very safe place to live, but it is also important as a police force we are prepared to tackle the threats of the 21^st century. The community will rightly expect us to keep them safe in an emergency, and training like this allows us to be ready to do so. Thank you to Beau Sejour for facilitating the day."