On Saturday, families gathered at Blakeley State Park in Baldwin County for a hands‑on safety demonstration hosted by Southern Star Search and Rescue, a volunteer organization based in Foley. The event, organized for parents and children, focused on basic survival techniques that could mean the difference between life and death for a child who becomes lost in a wooded area.

Key lessons for young explorers

Presenters explained that the most important rule for a child who realizes they are lost is to stop wandering. “Number one, don’t wander around. Once you know you’re lost, stay put,” said Ray Mooney, a spokesperson for Southern Star Search and Rescue. Staying in one place makes it easier for search teams, law‑enforcement officers, and specially trained K‑9 units to locate the missing child.

The rescue group also demonstrated how trained K‑9 teams follow a human scent trail, dramatically illustrating the speed and accuracy with which a dog can pinpoint a lost person’s location. Mooney emphasized that these dogs are a critical resource for local agencies, including the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, fire‑rescue squads, and volunteer search teams.

Why the training matters for families

Children under ten are especially vulnerable in the woods because they may lack the judgment to stay calm or the physical stamina to travel far. By teaching kids to remain still, call out for help, and use simple signals—such as waving a bright piece of clothing—parents can greatly improve the odds of a swift rescue.

Southern Star Search and Rescue partners with several local search and rescue groups that provide trained personnel and K‑9 units to assist law‑enforcement and emergency responders. The collaboration ensures that Baldwin County has a coordinated response network ready to act when a child goes missing.

Community response

Attendees praised the practical, age‑appropriate instruction. Many parents said they felt more confident about taking their children on hikes or nature walks after learning the “stay‑put” rule and seeing the capabilities of the K‑9 teams firsthand.

The event also highlighted the broader commitment of Baldwin County’s public‑safety agencies to protect families and uphold the community’s values of safety, responsibility, and parental stewardship.

Looking ahead

Southern Star Search and Rescue plans to hold additional workshops throughout the county, aiming to reach more families in rural and suburban areas. The organization encourages anyone interested in future sessions to contact their Foley office for scheduling information.

Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.