At the Beach, Keep Track of Your Valubles (the kids, that is)

The Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services is asking parents to take some extra precautions to better keep track of the kids when they visit Virginia Beach.  Lost kids on the beach are of particular concern.  According to the United State Lifesaving Association, Virginia Beach lifeguards handle almost 900 lost children reports on the beach every year.

In a media release, the department offers these tips:

• Have a plan.  Discuss ahead of time where to meet in the event family members become separated.
• Take a photograph.  Have a recent photo of all family members handy.  The photo could be helpful to searchers if the child becomes lost.
• Find-A-Kid Program.  Resort area hotels offer security wristbands for children 10 and under.  The wristbands can help reunite separated families.  The program is run by the Virginia Beach Hotel/Motel Association.

On the web:
www.vbgov.com/news/Pages/selected.aspx?release=849
www.usla.org/?page=STATISTICS
www.vbhma.com/find_a_kid.php