Bournemouth beach safety scheme helped 120 people this summer
Around 37,000 KidZone wristbands were given out too
A beach safety scheme in Bournemouth, designed to keep children and vulnerable people safe, has helped to reunite nearly 120 people with their groups this summer.
KidZone, which is run by BCP Council and sponsored by insurance company LV=, ran from July until September 1st.
During this year's campaign, around 37,000 wristbands were given out for parents and carers to write down contact details, and a location on the beach, in case families got separated.
The scheme helped to unite 118 lost people with their group, in an average of just 8 minutes.
3\3 missing people were reunited during the Bournemouth Air Festival alone.
Councillor Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations at BCP Council said:
“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.
“Losing someone can be a frightening experience for everyone involved, and the KidZone initiative plays an important role in improving the safety of everyone who visits our beaches.
“It has proved to be a huge success once again this year and we are grateful to LV=, with whom we have a long-standing and successful relationship, for their support again this summer.
"I would also like to thank the BCP Council Seafront Staff and RNLI Lifeguards who have worked tirelessly to help run this initiative on the ground again this year."
Samantha Preece, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at LV= said:
“We’re proud to support such a fantastic initiative which has proved incredibly successful in helping reunite someone who was lost with their loved ones.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the LV= KidZone representatives, RNLI lifeguards and the BCP Seafront team for supporting this summer initiative and keeping beach visitors safe.
“This scheme is a shining example of partnership working and the positive impact it can have on supporting families in our local community.”