UK Coastguard has issued a safety plea for parents to keep a close eye on their children at the beach, after responding to nine separate missing children reports in one day yesterday.

All the children were found safe and well, but with so many reports coming in during the day, many UK Coastguards Rescue Teams have increased their regular patrols and stayed near the beaches in case of further emergencies.

Dai Jones, Duty Controller for UK Coastguard said: ‘We are urging parents to a keep a close eye on their children when at the beach - thankfully today’s missing children had just wandered off and were located safe and well by the teams. 

‘We urge parents or guardians to make sure that their children are well supervised at the coast.

’If you can, head for a RNLI life guarded beach – there are over 210 across the UK coast – and agree a recognisable meeting point.  Show your children the nearest lifeguard station and tell your children to head there and tell a lifeguard if they get lost.  

’Busy beaches can disorientate people, especially children, so take advantage of local wristband schemes for younger children.’