A Child Lost on the Beach in Stegna - A Wake-Up Call for All Holidaymakers

The first day of the long June weekend in Stegna began like any other summer day on the Polish coast: warm sun, crowded beaches, and families enjoying their holidays. But as reported by the local portal namierzeje.pl, a few moments of inattention turned into a real emergency when a young boy went missing on the beach.

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Today   |   07:17   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Komenda Powiatowa Policji w Nowym Dworze Gdańskim

Local police and rescuers from the Coastal Rescue Station immediately launched a search operation. Fortunately, the child was found safe and reunited with his mother shortly afterwards. This case had a happy ending, but such incidents are a recurring pattern every summer along the Baltic coastline.

According to the Polish Police Headquarters, hundreds of cases involving missing minors are recorded each year during the holiday season. Most are resolved within minutes, but some children wander far from their guardians, sometimes ending up several kilometers away before being found.

In crowded beach environments, children are easily distracted – by toys, ice cream carts, inflatables or other kids – and may unknowingly stray far from their parents. Many are unaware of the dangers posed by the sea itself: strong currents and unpredictable waves can become fatal within seconds. That is why proactive awareness and prevention are essential.

Safety First: Practical Tips for Parents on the Beach

To help prevent such frightening scenarios, experts and institutions – including the Polish National Police – have published practical guidance for families spending time at the seaside or in other public, crowded locations. The recommendations are part of the nationwide awareness campaign #zaginioneNIEzapomniane ("#lostNOTforgotten").

Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use a contact wristband ("niezgubka")

Plastic wristbands similar to those used at all-inclusive resorts can be purchased in stores or online, and are also increasingly available at hotels and guesthouses. Write your phone number on it – but not the child's name. If the child gets lost, any adult who finds them can quickly call you.

2. Take a photo of your child before leaving home

This gives rescuers or security staff a precise, up-to-date visual reference for who they are looking for – including clothing, hairstyle and size.

3. Dress your child in bright, easily recognizable clothing

Fluorescent hats, colorful swimwear, or distinctive accessories make it much easier to locate your child in a crowd.

4. Establish a meeting point

Choose a visible landmark (e.g., an inflatable slide, beach bar, or lifeguard tower) and explain to your child that they should go there if they ever lose sight of you.

5. Teach your child what to do if they get lost

Practice responses in a safe setting. Emphasize that they should not leave the area or go with strangers, and should seek help from lifeguards, police, or store employees – people easily identifiable by uniforms.

6. Consider GPS devices

Smartwatches with GPS trackers or small devices with SOS buttons are popular tools for younger children. They allow you to check the child’s location and contact them via mobile apps.

7. Always supervise small children

Hold hands in busy places and never leave a child alone in a car, on the beach, in a shop, or in an elevator. Basic vigilance remains the most effective protection.

Build Awareness Without Instilling Fear

It’s important to talk to your child about potential risks without making them anxious. Instead of warning them with horror stories, explain calmly why certain rules exist and practice scenarios using play or storytelling. Avoid “testing” your child by deliberately hiding – this may erode trust and trigger anxiety.

If your child uses a mobile phone, ensure your number is saved under ICE (In Case of Emergency). Encourage habits like observing surroundings and being aware of exits and staff in public areas such as train stations, airports, or large events.

Prevention Is Key

Incidents like the one in Stegna show how quickly things can go wrong – but also how much can be done to prevent them. With simple tools, everyday habits, and honest conversations, parents and guardians can drastically reduce the risk of child disappearances.

- During the summer season, we receive daily reports of children going missing on beaches, where large crowds of tourists and proximity to water create serious hazards. Beaches filled with people and beach screens form a labyrinth for small children, making it easy for them to get lost. Unaware, a child can wander several kilometers away from their parents, which is highly stressful and traumatic for them. In such cases, emergency services and police activate the highest level of readiness. Cooperation among all involved agencies is crucial to quickly locate the missing child. Unfortunately, these incidents are quite common during the season. Therefore, we urge parents to use ‘ID wristbands’ — a simple and effective way to speed up contact with guardians. The wristband includes space for the child’s name and a parent’s or guardian’s phone number, significantly facilitating and accelerating search operations and shortening the time the child is separated from their family. However, it is important to remember that wearing an ‘ID wristband’ does not exempt us from maintaining heightened vigilance when supervising children, especially in crowded places such as beaches or shopping centers — said ASP Karolina Figiel, Press Officer of the District Police Commander in Nowy Dwór Gdański.

Each child deserves a safe and carefree childhood – and each adult has the responsibility to ensure that safety, especially in summer crowds and coastal resorts. #lostNOTforgotten is not just a campaign – it’s a reminder that awareness, not panic, is our strongest ally.

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