Dozens of balloons are to be released today in memory of a four year-old boy who drowned after falling from the town’s jetty last year.
Dylan Cecil died after falling into the sea on August 19th last year.
Monday marks the first anniversary since the tragedy – and Dylan’s family and friends will be releasing scores of balloons from Burnham jetty just before 6pm, the same time as the accident. Reverend Graham Witts will also lead prayers in Dylan’s memory.
The tragedy sparked a huge search operation by the town’s marine rescue services and his body was found near Burnham Sailing Club four days later.
An inquest into the tragedy was held earlier this year when West Somerset’s coroner Michael Rose recorded an accidental verdict and absolved Dylan’s parents of any blame.
A memorial fund was set up earlier this year to help raise money in memory of Dylan to benefit under-privileged children.
A number of safety improvements have been made since the tragedy, including extra signs around the jetty, a new audible warning system and an enhanced lifeguard service from the RNLI.
