Families visiting our award-winning coastline this summer enjoyed added peace of mind, thanks to the continued success of the LV= KidZone beach safety scheme. A recent report confirms the initiative safely reunited 59 people with their loved ones during the 2026 summer season, bringing the total number of successful reunions to over 3,500 since the scheme launched in 2007.

A Summer of Safe Sands

Operating during the peak summer months of July and August, the scheme saw dedicated LV= KidZone operatives working alongside BCP Seafront Rangers and RNLI lifeguards to keep beachgoers safe across our 15 miles of beautiful beaches.

The process is simple but highly effective: families can pick up a free wristband from seafront offices or RNLI lifeguard towers. Parents and carers then write their contact number on the band, allowing seafront teams to quickly reconnect them if a child or vulnerable adult wanders off in the summer crowds.

The results from the 2026 season highlight the incredible efficiency of our seafront teams:

• 15,000+ free wristbands were distributed across the bay this year.
• 13 minutes was the remarkably fast average reunion time.
• 8 years old was the average age of a loved one who became separated.

Community Collaboration

The longstanding partnership between BCP Council, local insurer LV=, the RNLI, and Dorset Police continues to be a cornerstone of our summer safety strategy.

“The success of LV= KidZone is an example of what can be achieved when local businesses come together to support their community," a spokesperson for LV= noted following the season's close. "Helping people and communities to thrive is central to who we are, and we're proud to continue supporting a scheme that helps keep children and vulnerable visitors safe while they enjoy the beaches.”

With nearly one million wristbands distributed since 2007, the LV= KidZone scheme remains a vital part of planning a family trip to the coast. Next time you pack your beach bag for a sunny day out - whether you're heading to Sandbanks, Branksome Chine, or right through to Bournemouth and Boscombe; make grabbing a free wristband your first stop.

Look out for KidZone staff in blue shirts, Seafront Rangers in bright pink, and RNLI lifeguards in their iconic yellow and red uniforms—they are all here to help you enjoy our spectacular coastline safely!