With large crowds expected at this weekend’s annual Cooly Rocks On festival Police want families and particularly young children attending the event to be safe and enjoy themselves.
However with any event with large crowds in attendance there is the potential for children to become separated from their parents or guardians resulting in the child becoming lost.
Acting Senior Sergeant Paul James said families should have a plan.
“Anytime a child goes missing albeit even for a short period of time it is very distressing for the family and particularly for the lost child. But by having a plan it can give a child confidence that they know what to do should they become lost or separated from their family” A/Senior Sergeant James said.
If you do not have a family plan for child safety at this year’s festival, here are some helpful tips to start:
- Keep children with you at all times while in public.
- Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.
- Have a plan in case you become separated, including a pre-designated spot to meet and tell them to wait for you.
- Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed police, security officer or a mother with children.
- Consider writing your mobile number on their arm with a permanent marker, it will be waterproof and won’t wash off for days.
- Remind children to remain in the area where they become separated.
- Dress them in bright clothes and take a camera phone photograph of each of your children as they leave the house for the event. If one of your children does become lost, you can easily recall what the child was wearing or share the photo as needed.
By following these simple steps they may prevent your child from getting lost during the festival. Remember, keep yourself and your children safe and have a plan.