OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – A missing child was found east of the Oak Island Pier by the Oak Island Fire Department Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 21.
Per the OIFD, the drone unit was dispatched immediately at around 1:45 p.m. when the missing child was reported, and the parent was able to look at the monitor and help find their child within minutes.
The OIFD says that the child had traveled over a mile west of the pier, being found at around SE 70th Street. He got a ride with the Ocean Rescue Unit back to the pier.
The OIFD provides the following tips:
- “Just like “highway hypnosis” can affect you while driving, the similar lines of the beach and sea landscape can often have you walking much farther than you might realize. this can lead to fatigue, and as in a recent missing persons case, disorientation. If going on a long walk, take frequent pauses to note your surroundings and how far you’ve come, and remember to save enough energy to make it back!
- “Exploring your surroundings can be fun. If ANY of your family (not just children) like to go for walks, remember to take a photo of them when heading out onto the beach, so that we’ll know what they look like and what they’re wearing that day, to help make locating them easier if needed.
- “Finally, remember to “make a game plan when you hit the sand.” Make sure everyone knows WHEN and WHERE to meet in case they get separated or go off to do their own thing.
“The beach is a fun and safe place to enjoy the beauty of nature, but like most things, it’s always good to keep some general safety practices in mind. For more safety tips, you can reach out to use directly through the Contact Form at OakIslandNC.gov/FD.”
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