Advice to beach users issued by the RNLI

During the search, Weymouth RNLI inshore lifeboat and Weymouth RNLI lifeguards worked together alongside the Coastguard helicopter from Lee on Solent, Beach Control officers and the police.

Barney Hedgecock, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Weymouth Beach, said; 'The RNLI is offering this advice to all beach users with children;

Children are safest when supervised.

As soon as you get to the beach, agree a meeting point in case of separation.

If the beach runs a children’s safety scheme, using wristbands or tickets, take part. They’re free and they work.

If you are on an RNLI-lifeguarded beach, visit the lifeguard hut on arrival and they can give you special wristbands to put your contact details on.

The RNLI advises that if a child does go missing:

Calmly check your surroundings first, ensuring other children remain supervised

Contact the lifeguards or police and keep them informed

Let all searchers know once the child is found.

Weymouth RNLI beach lifeguards are on duty on the beach every day from 10am to 6pm.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.