Friday 14th August 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
Bridlington RNLI’s volunteer crew faced a busy afternoon yesterday, Thursday 13 August, responding to four separate incidents involving three missing children and two adult paddleboarders along the town’s coastline.
RNLI lifeboat crew on Bridlington beach responding to multiple incidents involving missing children and paddleboarders, promoting beach safety wristbands for families. All photos are courtesy of RNLI/Mike Milner
The first call came at 2.51pm, when HM Coastguard tasked the charity’s inshore lifeboat Ernie Wellings to search for a missing child on South Beach. A crew of three volunteers prepared to launch, but before entering the water, the child was confirmed safe and well, and the crew stood down.
Moments later, at 3.25pm, the team was called again — this time for another missing child, believed to be on a bodyboard. The lifeboat launched immediately, searching the surrounding waters and shoreline. Within minutes, the child was found safe on the beach, and the crew returned to station.
Barely four minutes after that, at 3.39pm, a third call came in for yet another missing child on South Beach. Once again, the outcome was positive — the child was located quickly, bringing relief to all involved. By 4.30pm, the lifeboat was recovered, washed down, and made ready for service once more.
The day’s final call came at 6.42pm, when two adult paddleboarders were reported struggling to return to shore north of the town. The crew prepared to assist, but were stood down at 6.51pm after confirmation that both had made it back safely.
Launch Authority Chris Feeley said:
“It’s all too easy to become separated from your children on a busy beach, and it can be extremely distressing for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are simple steps families can take to help.”
He highlighted the RNLI’s free beach safety wristbands, which allow parents to write their contact number so lifeguards can reunite lost children quickly. These wristbands are available from:
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RNLI Shop beside Bridlington Lifeboat Station
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RNLI King Street Shop
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RNLI Lifeguard Units
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Richie’s Café
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Foreshore Office on South Promenade
The afternoon was also memorable for volunteer crew member Dalton Smith, who took part in his first operational service aboard the Bridlington inshore lifeboat.
“To be involved in three callouts within such a short period on my first outing was certainly an experience,” Dalton said. “Thankfully, each child was found safe and well — the best possible outcome.”
Bridlington RNLI is reminding beach visitors to keep a close eye on children, arrange a meeting point, and make use of the free wristbands available across the resort.
