Guide · updated November 2026

Lost child procedure for events

Lost children are the most common 'emergency' at family events. A clear, rehearsed procedure keeps it from becoming a real one.

When a parent reports a missing child

1. Get the child's first name, age, clothing and where they were last seen
2. Radio all staff and gate staff with the description by radio, not PA
3. Gates watch exits; volunteers search the last-seen area and nearby hazards (water, roads, car parks)
4. If the child isn't found within 10–15 minutes, or there's any concern, call 000

When staff find a child

1. Two adults stay with the child at the lost-child point; never one adult alone
2. Announce for the parent without a description or surname
3. Confirm identity before releasing the child, then record the incident

"Could the parent or carer of [first name only] please come to the information tent."

Related: Event management plan: what to include (with a template) · Event risk management plan: matrix, register and example risks · Emergency management plan for events · School fete risk assessment · Jumping castle and inflatable risk assessment · Fun run and charity walk risk assessment