Anyone visiting Silvershell Beach Saturday morning would have seen a fire truck and an ambulance in the parking lot. Thankfully, no one was in danger.

For the first time, the town’s lifeguards worked alongside members of the Marion Fire Department to learn first aid skills.

Marion Recreation Department Director Jody Dickerson said the lifeguards receive training lessons weekly. However, he said it’s crucial that lifeguards are familiar with proper first responder techniques in the event of an emergency.

“It’s important that both departments are working together like a well-oiled machine,” Dickerson said.

Lifeguards were shown how to properly handle victims suspected of having spinal injuries.

Deputy Fire Chief Joe Dayton led the session. Later in the morning, he traded his work pants and boots for a pair of swim trunks to assist the guards in a water rescue.

He said at Silvershell someone might injure their neck diving into shallow water. The lessons showed lifeguards how to properly secure someone to a backboard for safe transport.

Equipped with Velcro straps, the backboards are designed to stabilize a victim to prevent further neck injury.

“Depending on the location of the victim, you should assume they have a spinal injury,” Dayton told the lifeguards. “If you come across someone unconscious on their beach towel, they probably don’t have a spinal injury. Otherwise, use caution.”

Lifeguards practiced on the beach, in shallow water and on a floating dock.

Dayton noted that once a 911 call is placed from the beach the department will be on the scene in about three minutes. During that time, the lifeguards are relied on to provide first aid.

Dickerson noted that the lessons were a success and would likely continue in the future.