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RNLI and Coastguard launch wristband scheme for lost children

Lifeboats Statement

The RNLI and the Coastguard launched a wristband scheme to help lost children find their parents or guardians.

Tyler Smith with one of the wristbands at Scarborough lifeboat station

RNLI/Dave Barry

Tyler Smith with one of the wristbands at Scarborough lifeboat station

Last summer, 61 children were reunited with their adults by lifeguards on the beaches in Scarborough’s north and south bays, Cayton and Filey - plus 69 children at beaches in the East Riding.

This year, the life-saving charity in cooperation with the Coastguard is introducing an initiative aimed at reducing that number.

Parents or guardians are being invited to write their mobile phone number on a free paper wristband which is available at the lifeboat and lifeguard stations and shops all along the Yorkshire coast.

If and when a child is unfortunate enough to become separated from the adults he or she is with, lifeguards can simply ring and reunite them.

This should drastically reduce the time families are separated meaning less time worrying and more time enjoying our stunning coastline and beaches.

The scheme is being introduced in time for Armed Forces Day, when tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Scarborough seafront.

RNLI Media contacts

For details, ring Scarborough RNLI volunteer press officer Dave Barry on 07890 322992.

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, Twitter 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.