5.5. Lost / Missing Persons

This guideline is to ensure lifeguards use correct procedures when approached by parents, friends or family who have lost a person. Lifeguards will frequently become involved with scenarios involving lost and found persons. This guideline provides some strategies on which to base a response.
A lost person is where a family member, friend or guardian approaches the lifeguard(s) and reports a person missing or a person is identified as missing as a result of an aquatic incident.

A found person is where the lifeguard either: -

• Is approached by a member of public who has lost their group,
• Comes across someone who appears distressed and lost, or
• When a member of public finds the child/person and hands them over to a lifeguard.
  

The lifeguard should follow a series of escalating procedures to handle lost and found persons:

Note: If a lifeguard is informed of a lost/missing person that the lifeguard is to keep the informant with them or another lifeguard at all times until the missing person is located.

Contact appropriate external authorities immediately if: -

• There is concern that the person was last sighted in or near the water.
• The person missing has special needs.
• There is reasonable suspicion or evidence that there may be criminal activity involved.
• There is any circumstance that suggests the person may be at immediate risk.
• It is better to call additional resources early than have a delayed response to an aquatic incident when it may be too late.
  

INFORMATION GATHERING
Gain the necessary information to commence appropriate actions.
Note: If a lifeguard is informed of a lost/missing person that the lifeguard is to keep the informant with them or another lifeguard at all times until the missing person is located.

Missing Child

• Obtain descriptive details of the missing person (Name, Age, Basic clothing)
• Identify last location of missing person
• Identify time since last seen
  

Missing Parents

• Try to obtain child’s name
• Obtain parent’s basic description
• Do not carry child on shoulders or give anything to drink/eat
  

Missing Person in the water

• Identify the activity and last location of missing person
• Identify time since last seen
• Identify their condition and if they are a swimmer or not
  

Preliminary Observation

• Lifeguards are to observe the local area, commence surveillance at waters edge and work back.
• Reassure parents or carer and where possible obtain addition details such as other possible search areas i.e. location of car, residence, etc.
  

Initial Search

• Lifeguards are to commence the relay of information. Search to encompass adjacent beach areas and off-beach sites in the immediate area.
• Initial information should be passed to the appropriate coordinating agency.
• Commence recording of information.
  

Co-ordinated Search

• All available information passed appropriate coordinating agency (usually the police).
• Lifeguard(s) to continue as directed by coordinating agency.