Sandi Starfish

Heading to Cleethorpes beach this summer? Be sure to look out for Sandi Starfish when you visit. The initiative, which supports families during the busy summer season, is once again running across Cleethorpes beach as part of Operation Coastline. With visitor numbers increasing each year, Sandi Starfish helps reunite children or vulnerable people with their parents, carers or guardians if they become separated. 

Visitors can pick up a free wristband from various seafront locations and write their contact details inside. There are also brightly coloured flags in key spots where children or vulnerable adults can go if they become lost or confused. Sergeant Shaun Pattinson, from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re really happy to have Sandi Starfish active in our area, to help ensure children and vulnerable adults stay safe when visiting. “During the busier months, we do tend to see more people becoming separated from loved ones, which can be very distressing. This initiative helps reduce those incidents and makes it easier to bring families back together quickly. “We also encourage parents and carers to take a photo of their child on the day, this makes a big difference in helping officers identify and assist if someone does go missing.” 

As part of the scheme, a network of local businesses and community members display Sandi flags when open. Learn more on our campaign page. Stay in the loop with the latest from Operation Coastline by signing up to My Community Alert or following @HumberBeat on social media with #OpCoastline and #TurningTheTideOnCoastalCrime.