THE RNLI lifeboats from Redcar were called into action today after a child was reported missing on the beach.

The call came at 2.30pm after the parents of a ten-year-old boy raised the alarm. The lifeboats launched and began a search of the shoreline to the west of the lifeboat station.

At 2.50pm police officers on the beach located the boy, safe and well and he was reunited with his parents.

With the beaches being particularly popular at the moment the charity is continuing to urge anyone planning to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice.

Anyone planning a visit to the coast should remember to: • Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signs • Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water • Don’t allow your family to swim aloneDon’t use inflatables • If you fall into the water unexpectedly, 'float to live'. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float • In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard