PORT ARANSAS -

Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare, but think about that happening on miles of crowded beach. Police say that isa big problem during busy summer months.

CCPDgot a missing child call on a Padre Island beach shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday evening. That girl was found safely. Port Aransas police usually respond to missing children calls about five times a week in the summer.

A family day at the beach took a terrifying turn for Bron Doyle when his 13-year-old niece got lost.

"She just wasn't paying attention, and she's walking, and next thing you know she's missing," Doyle said.

With dusk falling, he was well aware of all the risks.

"Wewere scared," Doyle said. "We didn't know whether she got taken by the current. whether she wandered up into the sand dunes, which is pretty dangerous. She could have been kidnapped, or just got lost."

Port Aransas police and emergency responders searched for two hours before the teenager was safely located. Police Chief Scott Burroughs says in a situation like this, it isimportant to call 911 right away.

"A child that's lost and panicking can run, and they can a mile or two a mile or two away in just a matter of 15 or 20 minutes," Chief Burroughs said.

He says that children should know their parents full names and phone numbers, and while they should not approach a stranger, they should contact a working lifeguard or police officer.

A photo of a lost child is also hugely helpful in locating them.

"We encourage people to photograph their children every morning when they come to the beach with exactly what they were wearing, exactly what they look like that day," Chief Burroughs said.

Parents can also help their kids stay oriented by teaching them how to recognize beach mile markers, and setting up near a fixed landmark, like a guard stand.

Since memorial day weekend, Port Aransas police have responded to about 40 missing children calls.

"Very scary, scary!" said mom Elida Padilla.

With that in mind, Padilla and other parents are relying on close supervision of their children.

"We make sure we always know where they're at," Padilla said.

"We do a head count," grandmother Tanya De LaRosa added.

Port Aransas police say most of these incidents happen with children ages 4- to 9-years-old, close to dusk, and when there are more adults supervising, becausethey might be distracted.

Police say parents should also be aware of teenagers purposely splitting off, or estranged spouses that try to contact their children at the beach.

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Police warn of summer spike in lost children on beaches - KRISTV ... - KRIS Corpus Christi News