Lost and missing children are something we handle as well. Children inadvertently become separated from their parents regularly at Hampton's Main Beach. The problem arises more so at low tide due to the increase in beach space. It is common for children to become disoriented as to their location among the maze of beach towels and similar appearing shoreline. As a result, children wander great distances alone. The statistics in the proceeding chart represent the missing and lost children, and presons, the Hampton Beach Patrol Surf Rescue successfully reunited with their parties.

     Typically, a lifeguard will see a child wandering about. (Note: astute beach goers also bring lost children to us.) At this point, the lifeguard approaches the child, discovers the child is lost and obtains his name and age. Subsequently, he transmits to Lifeguard Base the following information: name, age, hair color, and suit color. The lifeguard then temporarily takes custody of the child and continues to monitor the water. In turn, Lifeguard Base documents the information, time, and transmits said information to all lifeguards.

     This communication allows a parent who asks a lifeguard for help, to learn the location of their child. The lifeguard is able to direct the parent to the child's location and notify the custodial post and Lifeguard Base; the parent is in route to reunite with the child. When the child is reunited with the parent(s), the custodial post informs Lifeguard Base. In response, Lifeguard Base clears the child as reunited.

     If a child is reported missing to us, the lifeguard obtains the same information from the reporting party. He subsequently transmits said information to Lifeguard Base. This report informs all lifeguards of the child being missing, a description of the child, and the general vicinity of where he is missing from. As a result, lifeguards are able to identify, take custody, and report to Lifeguard Base if the lost child should pass through their post assignment.