Beach safety scheme successfully reunites families

It took an average of eight minutes to reunite each person with their family

Dozens of people who became lost at the seaside were reunited with their families thanks to a summer safety scheme.

The LV= KidZone initiative saw 118 children and vulnerable people returned to their groups after they became separated on beaches in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area.

About 37,000 wristbands were given out between 1 July and 1 September, complete with a parent or guardian's contact and their location on the beach.

This information was used to help reunite people quickly and easily, BCP Council said.

'A frightening experience'

Run by trained RNLI lifeguards and BCP Council seafront staff, lost people were returned to their groups in an average time of eight minutes.

More than 10,000 wristbands were handed out at Bournemouth Air Festival, which took place between 29 and 31 August.

Richard Herrett, in charge of destination, leisure and commercial operations at BCP Council, said getting lost could be a frightening experience for everyone involved.

“Our wonderful seafront attracts a huge number of visitors and residents over the summer season, and we know that on a busy day children and vulnerable people can disappear from sight very quickly," he added.

The 63-day scheme finished at the end of the school summer holidays.