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Visiting the beach > Beach Safety > Keep An Eye On The Kids

Keep an eye on the kids

Supervision and lost children.




Why is child supervision important to you?

While lifeguards and lifesavers are there to watch over you and your children when in the water, children require constant attention and parent/adult supervision when visiting the beach or around any body of water. A lack of direct adult supervision regularly results in lost children or in the worst cases child drowning deaths.

What is the best form of supervision?

Supervision of children is vital and the best form of supervision at the beach is to actively interact with your children. This means that children should always be within arms reach and observing them should be your constant focus when around the water.

How can you best supervise children when at the beach?

Children should always be accompanied and supervised by an adult at arms reach at all times when visiting the beach
Bright lycra style swimming suits and rash shirts make good sun sense and are easy to see.
Identify an easy to find point on the beach that the child can go to if you become separated (e.g. the lifeguard tower).
Active supervision is the best form of supervision, and it’s fun!

What should you do if you loose your child?
1. Do not panic, hundreds of children are reported lost every year, usually they are found walking along the beach.
2. Quickly check the immediate area then notify the lifesavers/lifeguards on duty.
3. If no lifesavers/lifeguards are on duty then the police can be contacted.

The lifesavers/lifeguards will require information from you, such as:
  • A description (i.e. age, clothing, name, hair colour)
  • The time the child was last seen (this helps determine how far the child may have gone)
  • Any medical problems the child may have

Most children are usually found very quickly. However, sometimes a wider search is needed, this may include:
  • The car
  • The home/unit
  • Surrounding parklands/playgrounds
  • A further expanse of the beach (children have been known to walk some distance)

Stay calm and assist the lifesavers and lifeguards or Police as requested, they will be doing everything they can to help you.