Lifeguard Association reports record number of lost children at coast

A total of 134 children were reported lost at the Belgian coast on Tuesday as the hot weather attracted crowds to the sea, the Belgian Lifeguard Association (IKWV) said.

Beaches were packed in many places and many children couldn’t find their way back to their parents. “It’s not unusual that with a lot of people, a lot of children get lost, but yesterday the number was remarkably high,” said IKWV general director An Beun. “To make the difference clear: between 1 and 29 July, only 300 children were lost in total.”

Beun mainly points to the big crowds, due to the good weather, as the cause and urges parents to keep a closer eye on their children. “Children can always go into the water or play for a while, but stay with your child. Of course, we understand that parents also want some peace and quiet, but the children remain their responsibility. If they go elsewhere to play, that’s asking for trouble.”

The IKWV provides free wristbands for children, on which the parents can write their name and phone number. It also advises parents to agree on a point of reference with their children and show them where the lifeguards are.

Especially in Ostend and Blankenberge, where it is usually busier, children were reported lost on Tuesday. “But the problem was spread across all coastal municipalities, even in places where it is normally quieter,” said Beun.

^{#FlandersNewsService | People on the beach at in Ostend © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}