Bournemouth | Posted on July 2nd, 2026 | return to news

Beach safety scheme now in operation across Bournemouth

The KidZone beach safety scheme, providing wristbands for children and vulnerable adults, is now operating.

Once again, children and vulnerable adults should be safe on beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

BCP Council’s KidZone beach safety scheme, in partnership with LV=, operates from now until 31 August across 15 miles of coastline.

Since 2007, the team has distributed nearly one million wristbands, with 37,000 handed out last year alone.

As part of the scheme, free, secure wristbands are available for children and vulnerable adults. Parents and carers can write their contact details and location on the band, allowing seafront staff to quickly make contact if a loved one becomes separated.

BCP Council Seafront Rangers and RNLI Lifeguards will be supporting the scheme throughout the summer by handing out wristbands to people who request them, as well as continuing to provide advice, assistance and ensuring the safety of all beach users. Free wristbands will be available for collection from all seafront offices and RNLI lifeguard towers across the 15 miles of BCP seafront.

Dedicated LV= KidZone operatives will be on hand at Bournemouth Beach from 18 July until the end of August, supporting families during the busiest weeks of the school holidays.

Visitors to the seafront are reminded that if they see a missing child or vulnerable person, they should immediately report this to a member of the LV= KidZone team wearing a blue shirt, a BCP Council seafront ranger – typically wearing a bright pink T-shirt – or an RNLI lifeguard, so that swift action can be taken.

Free LV= KidZone wristbands will be available this summer across the following beaches:

Bournemouth: Alum Chine through to Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne
Christchurch: Avon, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe
Poole: Sandbanks, Shore Road, Branksome Chine

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “We’re delighted to see the return of the LV= KidZone scheme for another summer. Our beaches attract millions of visitors each year, and this simple initiative plays an important role in helping families feel safe and supported. We’re grateful to LV= for continuing to partner with us on such a valued programme.”

Kester Sheppard, RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor for East Dorset’s beaches, said: “With the spells of hot weather we’ve had already this season, the beaches have been busy and it’s so easy to lose a child in just a moment. These wristbands are so useful for our lifeguards because it’s quicker and easier to reunite children with their parents with minimal distress.”

BCP Council’s seafront rangers and lifeguards are on hand throughout the summer to provide advice, assistance and ensure the safety of all beach users.