Two quick-thinking first-aiders, Bobbi-Jo Palmer and an unidentified woman, staunched the flow of blood from Beaulieu's head with a towel and waited with the woman until an ambulance arrived.

A relative of Beaulieu's was overheard to say there should be handrails on the stairs.

Gary Tees of NWT Parks Services said he will look into the accident.

"It's the first incident of something like this that has been reported," said Tees. "We'll definitely be looking into it."

Tees also said a new capital plan is being developed by Parks Services to upgrade sections of Fred Henne Park, including camping stalls, electricity and playground equipment.

"We will definitely bring this incident up in further planning discussions," said Tees.

Parks Services officer Dale Lines, who was at the scene of the accident, said he was glad beach patrons adhered to fire lane restriction on the upper parking lot. This allowed firemedics to get as close to the accident scene as possible.

"You've seen how busy that parking lot is -- we'd like to thank everyone for keeping the gate clear," said Lines.