THE SANDI STARFISH Initiative - Lincolnshire Police - Keeping Children Safe
Thanks to the Sandi Starfish initiative, this 5-year-old boy was safely returned to his parents after going missing on Skegness beach yesterday.
Every year numerous children and vulnerable people get lost during the busy holiday season and this can cause huge distress and worry for families and has a significant impact on the police, RNLI, and coastguard.
But with the help of Sandi Starfish, this young boy was returned quickly and safely with very little distress to all involved.
If you are visiting the coast this summer, look out for Sandi Starfish and remember to:
Collect your free wristband
Parents and carers write your contact information on the inside of the wristband
Use the Sandi Starfish flags along the beach as a meeting point (#SandiStarfish wristbands are available at multiple locations along the beach and flags are flown at RNLI watchtowers and staffed by RNLI lifeguards.
Are you heading to the East Coast this weekend? Check out our scheme to give parents a little extra peace of mind in the five legged form of our child safety star, #SandiStarfish
The scheme helps find lost children quickly.
The idea came from PCSO Sandi Greenacre who worked in Hunstanton before she sadly died in 2013. She had the idea of a recognisable character on a flag as a meeting point and complemented this with free waterproof wristbands upon which a contact number can be written.
Sandi Starfish flags are flown on #Skegness, #Ingoldmells and #Mablethorpe beaches next to the RNLI tower, with additional flags on #FantasyIsland Resort and #Butlin’s beach.
The flags are only flown when staff are in operation. This is the recognised point of safety for children to go to if they are lost.
The meeting point can also be used for vulnerable adults who come to enjoy the seaside with their carers.
Wristbands are free and are available from RNLI, Skegness Aquarium, Natureland, Tourist information, Meridian Leisure, Tesco and Bibbys beach bar. Funding contributors include Skegness Town Council, Ingoldmells Parish Council, Mablethorpe and Sutton Town Council, Coastal Community Challenge, Tesco Bags of Help and Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones. If this sounds like something you would like to associate your business with, please contact Sgt Amy Searby at Lincolnshire Police via 101.
There are lots of opportunities available including sponsored wristbands.
Our top tips:* Designate a meeting spot using Sandi Starfish flags where available.
* Tell your child what to do if they get separated from you, ideally approach someone in uniform, and tell them they are lost.
* Use a Sandi Starfish wristband to record your phone number so you can be contacted.
* Keep an up-to-date photo and remember what your children are wearing. Bright, eye-catching clothing helps.
Most importantly - enjoy your holiday safely! #SaferTogether #PolicingwithPRIDE