A total of 42 children were reported missing from a busy beach in just one day as thousands flocked to the coast to make the most of the hot weather.

Emergency services in West Wittering did not catch a break on Sunday as they spent their time searching for an increasing number of children who were reported missing.

Temperatures on the beach soared to 25 degrees Celsius yesterday with thousands making the most of Sussex's beaches and cool waters.

The coastguard was first paged at 11.37am along with both lifeboats stationed at Hayling Island to search for a missing six-year-old child on the beach, who was later found by lifeguards.

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Later that day, coastguard teams from Selsey and Littlehampton, along with both Hayling lifeboats, joined in with the search for reports of three missing children at the beach.

A spokesman for the coastguard said: "These children were all found while en route, however there were further reports of missing children being made and so we were requested to continue proceeding.

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"We then spent a number of hours on the beach assisting the lifeguards with searching for multiple missing children, a missing adult and a medical incident."

Coastguards finally returned to the station at 7.30pm, where they made a post telling families how to keep their children close to them at all times.

The beach huts in West WitteringThe beach huts in West Wittering

How can I keep my children safe at the beach?

  • Agree a meeting point - in case any of your group get lost or separated.
  • If you are visiting a lifeguarded beach, this could be the nearest lifeguard station.
  • Take a photo of your children - when you first arrive that clearly shows what they look like and what they are wearing, should you need to refer to it.
  • Stay close and be alert – children are safest when supervised so keep a close eye on them.
  • Use a wristband scheme – wristbands are handed out at many beaches, or you can purchase reusable wristbands yourself.
  • Write your mobile phone number on your child's wristband so that you can be called and reunited if you get separated.

The coastguard spokesman added: "The lifeguards and staff at West Wittering Beach work extremely hard to keep everyone safe while visiting the beach.

"Please help them by supervising your children at all times, and following the above safety advice.

"In an emergency out at sea, along the coast and on the beach and ask for the coastguard."