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Irish Coastguard Facebook page
The wristbands that are available from the Irish Coast Guard.
stay safe
Heading to the beach? These wristbands could help if your child gets lost
The phone number of the parents or guardians will be on the wristbands in case the child gets lost on a busy beach.
WITH THE SUMMER weather finally here and with more people taking to the beaches, the Irish Coast Guard has launched this year’s summer safety campaign.
When the good summer weather comes out, the beaches along the Irish coast are always packed to the brim with families out to enjoy the day. It can be difficult to keep an eye on children playing.
The Irish Coast Guard has started distributing wristbands for children under the “Give us a hand” campaign.
The wristbands aim to prevent children from getting lost on beaches and near coastlines by getting them to wear wristbands.
Parents
The wristbands are disposable and allow parents and guardians to write their phone number on it and place on a child’s hand.
“If the child gets lost the phone number can be contacted and everyone reunited quickly, minimising the need for a large scale search and undue concern for parents,” said the Irish Coast Guard.
The wristbands are free and made of Tyvek material which is durable and waterproof.
John Draper of the Coast Guard said: ”Time and time again we would reiterate water safety, particularly with regard to children.”
He emphasised proper parental oversight where there are children near the water, whether it is inland waterways or off the coast.
Draper said that people should ensure children are not allowed in the water beyond their capabilities. If people are boating, he wanted to underline “that the wearing of a life jacket is law”.
“To me, it’s no different to wearing a seat belt,” said Draper, who added that people should not take chances with the weather.
The wristbands are being distributed around the country at coastal and inland waterway locations. They will also be available for collection at lifeguard stations and public buildings like libraries.
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