What should a missing-person emergency action plan include?

A specific signal to indicate a missing-person situation is essential in a missing-person emergency action plan because it establishes a clear and immediate means of communication that all staff can recognize and respond to swiftly. This signal helps to alert lifeguards and other personnel that a situation is occurring, prompting them to initiate the search and rescue protocols without delay.

Having a designated signal ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing confusion and allowing for a coordinated response. In an emergency, time is critical, and using a predefined signal helps streamline communication and mobilizes the necessary team members quickly.

While elements like designated parking for emergency vehicles, communication with law enforcement, and inventorying patrons might be important components of a broader emergency preparedness plan, the specific signal directly addresses the immediate need for situational awareness and response coordination during a missing-person incident.