The KidZone summer beach safety scheme run by BCP Council has returned with life and pensions mutual insurer LV= as the 2024 sponsor.
Started in 2007, the initiative seeks to protect and reunite lost children or vulnerable adults with their families across 15 miles of seafront throughout the peak summer season.
This year, LV=KidZone is running from 1 July to 1 September.
The scheme provides essential support to the seafront team, working in conjunction with the RNLI and Dorset Police.
It has reunited thousands of children and vulnerable adults who have become separated from their parents, guardians or carers, as well as aiming to prevent them becoming lost in the first place.
Visitors can now collect free wristbands from all seafront offices and RNLI lifeguard towers.
In addition, from 24 July to 1 September, the beaches of Bournemouth, Boscombe, Alum and Durley Chine will be staffed by LV=Kidzone operatives who will be distributing wristbands directly to families.
The child or vulnerable adult’s location, and their parent or guardian’s phone number will then be written onto the band, and if they get separated during the day, staff will be able to reunite them with their friends and family.
Visitors to the seafront who come across a missing child or person, are advised to report this immediately to a member of the LV=KidZone team, a BCP seafront ranger or RNLI Lifeguard, who will be on hand to help.
Anthony Rogers, Head of Seafront for BCP Council, said: “We welcome up to half a million visitors to our beaches every day over the summer season, and on busy days these wristbands provide enormous peace of mind for families.
“Over the years, the Kidzone scheme has reunited thousands of children and vulnerable adults who have become separated from their parents, guardians or carers.
“We are delighted to be running the initiative again this year with LV=, who have partnered with us for many previous years.”
Samantha Preece, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at LV= said: “Sponsoring the KidZone beach safety scheme for the 2024 summer season is a great fit for LV=.
“Part of our commitment as a life and pensions business is to support our local communities.
“LV= KidZone will help to reunite lost children and vulnerable adults and the scheme will give anyone visiting our local beaches the ability to keep loved ones safe.”
Over the 17 years since the initiative began, the KidZone team has distributed nearly one million wristbands and reunited more than 3,250 lost children or vulnerable adults with their parents/guardians.
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