PHOTOS: Local Lifeguards Train in Waters off Newport

A small boat overturned off of Newport Beach on Wednesday morning, dumping seven people into the cold water and prompting a rescue effort that included swimmers, boats, personal watercraft and a police helicopter.

At least that was the scenario officials put together for a mutual-aid training exercise that drew lifeguard personnel from agencies throughout the region.

"Lifeguards depend on mutual aid," Newport Beach Lifeguard Battalion Chief Rob Williams said. "This is just to coordinate our efforts."

Mutual aid is the practice of agencies from different jurisdictions working together and pooling resources during an emergency.

Lifeguards from Newport, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and San Clemente participated in the exercise, along with the Orange County Shreiff's Department and the U.S. Coast Guard, according to a news release.

"So far it's been good," said Marine Safety Lt. Chris Pierce of Seal Beach. "We'll pick up a couple of things to implement at our beach."