Bournemouth | Posted on September 23rd, 2025 | return to news

Bournemouth beach safety scheme reunites 130 lost loved ones

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council teamed up with LV= KidZone over the summer to create a safer coastline for families.

A beach safety scheme has once again been hailed a success after reuniting 130 lost individuals with their groups within an average time of seven minutes.

The campaign, run collaboratively by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and sponsored by leading UK life and pensions mutual insurer LV=, ran from 1 July to 1 September 2025. It aimed to stop individuals getting lost on the area’s busy beaches by handing out wristbands which contained the parent or guardian’s contact details and the group’s location.

Over the 63 days that it ran, the initiative reunited 130 loved ones while distributing 36,000 wristbands to children and vulnerable beachgoers.

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: “Our stunning seafront attracts many visitors and residents alike, and on a busy day, children and vulnerable people can disappear from sight quickly and unexpectedly.”

He added: “This scheme plays an essential part in keeping our beaches safe and providing peace of mind to our community and visitors.”

Samantha Preece, chief brand and communications officer at LV=, said: “We’re proud to support the scheme and are grateful to all of the LV= KidZone team, RNLI lifeguards and the BCP seafront team who are involved in its success.”

Ed Stevens, RNLI regional lifeguard, said: “The LV= KidZone scheme has been a huge support in helping us reunite people with their loved ones quickly and safely.

“RNLI lifeguards are still on the beaches at Sandbanks, Bournemouth East and West (Bournemouth Pier) and Boscombe East to offer safety advice and first aid until September 28.”

The scheme has wrapped up for the summer however residents are urged to stay safe. In life threatening situations at the beach, always call 999 and ask for the coastguard, and follow RNLI’s five water safety tips: RNLI Beach Safety – Top Five Tips To Stay Safe By The Sea.