RNLI Lifeguards in multi-agency rescue of missing child
On Monday 23 August, RNLI Lifeguards on Bournemouth beach were requested to help find a missing 12 year old boy, who was last seen in the sea at around 6.00pm.
RNLI Lifeguards near Bournemouth Pier were alerted to the missing child and quickly began a search after being informed he was last seen in the water. After it was established the child had not yet been located, the lifeguard team informed the UK Coastguard and requested assistance.
RNLI lifeguards searched the beach and were also joined by Southbourne Coastguard, Dorset Police, Poole RNLI lifeboat and a Coastguard helicopter.
An extensive search was underway expanding both westerly and easterly from Bournemouth Pier.
After around an hour and a half of searching, the boy was found safe and well by RNLI Lifeguards on Durley Chine beach, approximately 1km away.
Ten RNLI Lifeguards assisted with the search, working after hours to ensure that the child was brought back safely.
Kester Sheppard, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says: ‘I am very proud of the quick reactions, perseverance and teamwork that our lifeguards put in today to help find the missing child. Our lifeguards stayed past their shift times to ensure there was a good outcome and thankfully we were able to find the child safe and well and reunite him with his family.’
‘We love to see so many people enjoy our beaches here in Bournemouth and would always encourage anyone to visit a lifeguarded beach so that in the event that you need help, we can be there to do just that.’
The RNLI recently released their new children’s advert aimed at informing kids and adults on how to ‘Float to Live’ if they end up in difficulty in the water. The advert can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmSM_Caw7yw
Notes to editors
· To download a copy of the RNLI children’s TV advert: https://rnli.getbynder.com/m/296fcc7da2eb7287/original/RNLI-Kids-TV-Advert.mp4
· Find your nearest lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
· For the RNLI’s Beach Safety advice: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Sarah Beck, Media Engagement Placement on 07929 673280 or [email protected] or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.