Oak Island officials give safety tips after spike in missing children

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Officials in Oak Island are warning parents to keep a close eye on their kids this summer, as they see an uptick in the number of children becoming separated from their parents. 

Town Fire Chief Lee Price says there have been more than six cases of children becoming lost this year. He says the town usually sees an uptick in the summer months. 

Though he says there are a few steps you can take to prevent that from happening. 

For starters, take a picture of your kids and what they’re wearing so authorities know exactly what they look like if they become lost. Also make a game plan in the event your kid becomes separated. 

“If you come to our beach, and let’s say you use this access, which is Southeast 49th Street. If I were to come on the beach with my kids, I would say, ‘Hey, we’re going to be on the beach and if by chance we get separated, come to the 49th Street access with the yellow life ring,” Price explained. “That way, you have a specific place. So if you do get separated, everyone can hopefully meet up there.” 

Price says you should also keep track of which beach access you’re at and immediately flag down someone with beach services or ocean rescue if your child goes missing.