THE tragic death of a three-year-old girl who suffocated as she played in the sand has brought the issue of beach safety into the spotlight.

Soaring temperatures are certain to attract tens of thousands of people to Dorset's beaches over the next few days.

Now residents and visitors have been warned to take care.

Little Abbie Livingstone-Nurse died when the walls of a 5ft deep hole in the sand collapsed as she played with her brother near Hayle in Cornwall.

Despite the frantic efforts of her parents, lifeguards and other beach users, the youngster stopped breathing as dry sand slipped into the pit on top of her.

Bournemouth council and the RNLI have joined forces to erect new safety warning signs on beaches in the resort.

But council staff have stressed that vigilance, particularly with children, is the key to enjoying the beaches safely.

Visitors to Bournemouth beach yesterday said the safety of their children is paramount.

"You have to keep an eye on your children all the time, particularly when they are in the sea," said Fiona Parish, a mum-of-two from Salisbury.

"I feel really sorry for the family in Cornwall because you could never imagine that something as awful as that would happen."

And Susan Bradley, from London, said: "I worry about my little boy getting sun-burned or wandering off. You need to have your eyes on them all the time, particularly when there are a lot of people around."

Bournemouth's beach offices offer leaflets giving safety advice.

Advice includes:

Missing children. When you arrive at the beach, arrange a meeting place so everyone knows where to go if you become separated. If your child is lost, don't panic. Give basic information to lifeguards or police and check the area around you.

Tides and waves. Always check the tide before you enter the water and watch out for big waves.

Safe sun. Always wear appropriate sun screen and a hat. Try to avoid exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm.

Cycling. Cycling is banned on the seafront between 10am and 6pm in July and August. At other times, cyclists must always give way to pedestrians to avoid accidents

Inflatables. Lifeguards do not recommend the use of inflatables in the sea but said those that insist on using them should ensure children are within easy reach at all times with a line connected. Never take inflatables out in strong winds or large waves.

First published: August 17, 2005