Relax - Tourist draws geared up to deal with missing kids

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Places of attraction are hot spots for family fun over weekends, and four operators told my paper that they have measures in place, in case children get separated from their families.

The theme parks and tourist attractions we spoke to did not record the number of children who get separated from parents over an average weekend, but said this does not happen regularly.

Despite that, they assured my paper that their staff have been trained to deal with such situations.

Universal Studios Singapore, which drew two million visitors in about nine months last year, have tried-and-tested security measures in place.

Mr Robin Goh, assistant director of communications at Resorts World Sentosa, which manages the theme park, told my paper that cases of separated guests are very rare, and most children are reunited with their parents in less than five minutes.

He said: "Parents who are separated from their children should contact any staff (member) wearing a Resorts World Sentosa name badge immediately."

If the separated guest is not found nearby, the staff and security officers will continue to search throughout the integrated resort.

Ms Linda Chew, director of operations at Wildlife Reserves Singapore - which runs the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park - said that the tourist attractions will alert all front-line officers, who are equipped with walkie-talkies, should a child be reported lost, or be found wandering alone.

The child will be accompanied by a staff member at all times until he or she is back with his or her parents, she added.

Mr Lee Cheow Hiang, the deputy director of Loss Prevention at Sentosa Leisure Group, said: "We strongly encourage parents who are visiting the island with their children to teach them to approach any Sentosa staff member in uniform if they become lost or are separated from their parents.

"Parents who are separated from their kids should approach one of our ticketing or information counters for assistance."

Read also:
Family attractions have child-safety measures

After being informed of a lost child, the Sentosa Rangers team will enlist the help of roving staff around the island to help locate the child's parents or care- givers.

Some places, like the Singapore Flyer, has had no cases of children separated from their parents.

But the operator is taking no chances and has put in place standard operating procedures.

A spokesman said: "In the event that a child is separated from his or her parents, the parents can approach any of our Singapore Flyer staff for assistance.

"Our staff will take prompt action to locate the child and, in necessary instances, make an announcement over our centralised public-announcement system."

>>Next: What parents should do

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO

1. Before leaving home

Parents should instruct their child on what not to do at busy places.

Kids should not follow strangers, accept gifts from strangers, or offer to help them.

Parents are also encouraged to remind their child to approach the nearest staff member for help immediately, if they get lost.

Dr Dora Chen, the head of Temasek Polytechnic's Preschool Learning Academy, suggests employing strategies, such as reading stories or role-playing,

to help children get familiarised with different scenarios.

Pastor Koh Hui Jun, 35, helps her three kids to memorise her mobile-phone number, and atta- ches an information tag to their belongings.

2. At the venue

Establish a meeting point at a landmark - such as a restaurant - for the family to convene, in case parent or child lose each other, said Mr Robin Goh, assistant director of communications at Resorts World Sentosa.

Always be vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Dr Chen advises parents to "keep their children in view at all times".

3. If and when separated

Inform any staff member present, or head to the nearest customer- service counter immediately.

If you are making a police report, provide a description of the missing child, his or her activities and attire at the time of separation, and a recent photograph.

A police spokesman said: "There is no minimum time required for a missing person to have lost contact with his family members before a report can be lodged."

For more my paper stories click here.

Tourist draws geared up to deal with missing kids

By Annabelle Liang, my paper | Wed, Aug 3 2011

Parents advised to teach children to approach staff members if they become lost.

Tourist draws geared up to deal with missing kids

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