A MAJOR search and rescue operation took place at Bournemouth seafront after a vulnerable boy went missing in the water.

Coastguard, police, RNLI and lifeguards worked together to locate the 12-year-old.

RNLI lifeguards near Bournemouth Pier were alerted to the missing child shortly after 6pm on Monday, August 23 and started the search.

After it was established the child had not yet been located, the lifeguard team informed the HM Coastguard and requested assistance.

An extensive search was under way expanding both westerly and easterly from Bournemouth Pier.

Following around an hour and a half of searching, the boy was found safe and well by lifeguards on Durley Chine beach, approximately one kilometre away. He was reunited with his mother and emergency services were stood down.

Ten RNLI lifeguards assisted with the response, along with Dorset Police officers, Southbourne Coastguard and a search and rescue helicopter.

Kester Sheppard, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says: "I am very proud of the quick reactions, perseverance and teamwork that our lifeguards put in today to help find the missing child. Our lifeguards stayed past their shift times to ensure there was a good outcome and thankfully we were able to find the child safe and well and reunite him with his family.

“We love to see so many people enjoy our beaches here in Bournemouth and would always encourage anyone to visit a lifeguarded beach so that in the event that you need help, we can be there to do just that.”

The RNLI recently released their new children’s advert aimed at informing kids and adults on how to ‘Float to Live’ if they end up in difficulty in the water.