A minute’s silence will be held by members of Burnham-On-Sea’s rescue services in memory of four year-old Dylan Cecil at the start of Sunday’s annual rescue services day in the town.
Dozens of volunteers from local rescue services – many of whom have been involved in this week’s search operation – will take part in the period of silence at 10am in memory of the youngster who went missing after slipping off the end of Burnham’s jetty a week ago.
Almost 20 different emergency groups will take part in the annual event, including Burnham hovercraft rescue charity BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat), Burnham RNLI, HM Coastguard, Avon and Somerset Police, plus fire and ambulance crews.
.SUNDAY’S TIMETABLE:
10am Minute’s Silence in memory of Dylan Cecil
10.01am Opening of the event
10.30am Procession of rescue vehicles – Coastguard, BARB and Wessex 4×4 Response – along the beach from Berrow to Burnham
11.30am Coastguard mud rescue demonstration
12pm Hovercraft rescue demonstration
1pm Lifeguards rescue demonstration
1.30pm Skywatch microlights flypast
2.30pm Helicopter rescue demonstration
4pm Drift exercise by Burnham RNLI
6pm Memorial service for Dylan Cecil at St Andrew’s Church
NB: Times are subject to change without notice
One of the organisers said: “This year’s event will be sombre after this week’s sad events. The day is an essential opportunity to give out safety advice at the height of the summer tourist season. It will also be an opportunity for visitors to see the work of our local emergency services at first hand and support them.”
Safety demonstrations and displays will be held along Burnham seafront and the beach until 5pm. Mayor Ken Smout and MP Tessa Munt will open the event.
Others expected to be in attendance are St John Ambulance, Skywatch Microlights, Freewheeler Blood Bikes, Wessex 4 x 4 Response, Mendip Cave Rescue, Avon and Somerset Cliff Rescue, Exmoor Search and Rescue, Marine Life Rescue, Burnham Lifeguards, The Red Cross, Civil Contingencies, Environment Agency, National Blood Donor Service, RSPCA, Weston Super Mare Radio Club and WRVS.
Vehicles and teams from each service will be on hand during the day and life-saving demonstrations will take place in the sea and on the beach, giving spectators a unique chance to see their work up-close.
