Lifeguard warns parents after dozens of kids go missing on crowded beaches – and his advice could save your child’s life
DURING the current heatwave, you may have taken your kids to cool off at the seaside.
But following record-breaking temperatures this Bank Holiday weekend, a lifeguard has issued a warning after dozens of children got separated from their parents on the beach.
Coastguards have asked families to keep a closer eye on their kids as they play on the sand and in the sea.
They revealed that there have been numerous calls for help to find missing children during the Bank Holiday weekend.
Ian Guy, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard said: "It’s always a huge worry when children go missing near the beach – not just for the parents but for our Coastguards as well.
"There’s always a possibility that children may get into difficulties even in shallow water or injure themselves on slippery rocks.
"We are urging parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children at the beach and know where they are at all times.
"If you can, head for a life guarded beach and agree a recognisable meeting point that’s easy to find.
"Show your children the nearest lifeguard station or a recognisable location and tell them to head there if they get lost.
"Make sure you tell the Coastguard or a lifeguard immediately if you lose sight of your child.
Coastal safety on the beach
- Where possible, always swim or paddle on a lifeguarded beach.
- Make sure you know what safety flags mean. You can find more information at the Good Beach Guide.
- Keep an eye on children – take advantage of any local wristband scheme which can help identify your child if they wander off.
- If you do lose sight of your child and you are worried, call 999 for the Coastguard.
Source:
"Busy beaches can disorientate people, especially children, so take advantage of local wristband schemes wherever possible."
They are urging the public to visit their coastal safety for tips on how to keep out of harm's way.
Show your children the nearest lifeguard station or a recognisable location and tell them to head there if they get lost.
Ian Guy, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard
Last year, almost 70 children went missing on UK beaches in a single weekend, reported .
This year, according to , there are understood to have been multiple instances of children going missing on the East and South coasts.
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