Kennebunk officials tell beachgoers: Put down your phone and watch your kids

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 11, 2026

Kennebunk officials are warning parents and caregivers to put their phones down when supervising children at the beach after a child briefly went missing. The child was found safe at Mother’s Beach on Monday afternoon, having wandered into a different area of the beach while their caregiver was distracted. After the child was safely reunited with their caregiver, fire officials said they saw the adult immediately return their attention to their phone. That prompted a “stern warning” about the seriousness of the situation and the adult’s responsibility.