03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

RNLI assist in search for missing children on beach

AN RNLI lifeboat was launched after reports of missing children on Aberavon beach.

The lifeboat was launched at 3pm on Tuesday (Jul 23) after reports that several children, aged up to 7 years old, were missing on the beach. While the lifeboat conducted a shoreline search, they were joined by RNLI lifeguards and the local coastguards searching on the beach and the surrounding area.

Gradually the children were all found safe and well. By 4pm they were all accounted for and the alert was ended.

Missing children is quite a common problem on crowded beaches, where families are not always aware of the whereabouts of their children. They should not be allowed to wander off without being accompanied by an adult. Also, the danger of getting lost in the sea is a major problem, as even strong swimmers can get into difficulty in the water.

There are wristbands available for children to wear at lifeboat stations, lifeguard huts, Coastguard stations and RNLI shops all along the coast. Parents and guardians are encouraged to write their contact details on the free wristbands, to make it easier to reunite lost children with their families.

If you are heading to the coast this summer, it is recommended that you visit a Lifeguarded beach, where trained professionals can supervise beach activities and keep the public safe.

Photo by: RNLI/Mel Cooper

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