HM Coastguard issues safety plea after three children go missing at the same time on the same beach
HM
Coastguard is again urging parents to keep a close eye on their children whilst
at the beach. The plea comes after three children went missing in just over an
hour, at Weymouth Beach, Dorset.
HM
Coastguard received the separate calls, reporting the missing children, aged
5,8 and 9 between 14:30 – 15:35 this afternoon (14 July). Wyke Regis and
Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Teams, the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter
based at Lee on Solent, Weymouth RNLI lifeboat, Weymouth lifeguards and the Police
all searched the area.
All
three children were found separately, and all were safe and well.
This
is just an example of the numerous reports of missing children that HM Coastguard
has received throughout the day. It acts as a reminder to parents to please
keep a close eye on your children when you visit the beach.
Mark
Rodaway, Duty Commander for UK Coastguard said: ‘Due to the recent hot
weather we have been experiencing, our HM Coastguard Operations Centres are
being inundated with 999 calls reporting missing children at beaches all across
the UK.
‘It’s
always a huge worry when children go missing on the beach or near the sea – 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. Busy
beaches can disorientate people, especially children, so take advantage of
local wristband schemes wherever possible.’
In
time for the busy summer period ahead, HM Coastguard is urging members of the public
to visit their Coastal safety website
which gives beach goers lots of top tips on how to stay safe on the coast. It
also has links to lifeguarded beaches.