Huge crowds lined Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront on Sunday (August 26th) for the town’s annual rescue services day which took on a more sombre feel this year after the death of 4 year-old Dylan Cecil one week before.
After a minute’s silence for the toddler, the event began with an official opening performed by Burnham’s MP, Tessa Munt, Mayor Ken Smout and BARB President Neville Jones.
Over a dozen emergency services from across the West Country held displays and demonstrations in front of an estimated crowd of 3,000 people on Burnham’s South Esplanade.
Vehicles, crews and supporters from each service were on hand to provide safety advice, while life-saving demonstrations took place in the sea and on the beach.
The displays featured an RAF helicopter, hovercrafts, lifeguards, lifeboats, a Coastguard mud rescue and a fly-past by microlights.
Among the groups taking part were BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat), Burnham RNLI, HM Coastguard, Avon and Somerset Police, the fire brigade, and the ambulance service.
Others included Burnham lifeguards, Wessex 4 x 4 Response, Avon and Somerset Cliff Rescue, Exmoor Search and Rescue, Marine Life Rescue, Somerset Civil Contingencies and Weston Radio Club.
The Mudlarks Community Choir also put on a special performance, which was enjoyed by the crowds.
Event organiser Roger Flower from BARB, which oversees the event, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This year’s event took on a more sombre feel but was attended by large crowds. We had a good number of visitors and it was great to have the support of so many participating rescue groups from across the South West.”
The RAF helicopter took part in a fly past with the RNLI lifeboats
The fly-past was watched by the crowd from the jetty
BARB’s Light Of Elizabeth hovercraft in action
Burnham Coastguards took part in a mud rescue demonstration
Large crowds along the seafront for the rescue services day
Burnham lifeguards took part in a life-saving demonstration
The ‘casualty’ was taken back to shore on a surfboard
Diamond Farm fundraisers helped raise cash for BARB during the event
A parade of rescue vehicles was held along Burnham beach
BARB was presented with a cheque for over £500 by the Mudlarks Choir
Avon and Somerset Cliff Rescue were one of the groups in attendance
Some of Burnham’s fire brigade crew were on hand at the event
The team from Wessex 4×4 response supported the event with their stall
Burnham Lions were also in attendance, doing fundraising throughout the day
Burnham RNLI’s lifeboat crew and family enjoying the event
A fly-past by microlights was among the high-lights of the day
The microlights soared over the beach and Bridgwater Bay
Somerset Civil Contingencies and the Environment Agency handed out leaflets
BARB’s crewmembers during Sunday’s event
Burnham RNLI’s team had a fundraising stall and handed out safety leaflets
The large crowds enjoying the Burnham police demonstration
Burnham Rotary Club’s Mike Young and his wife supporting the event
St John Ambulance showed a number of first-aid demonstrations
Burnham MP Tessa Munt called in during the day, here with BARB crew
Mayor Ken Smout presented Maurice Smith with his Coastguard Jubilee Medal
Maurice with fellow Coastguards and family after the medal presentation
A vintage fire engine was one of the attractions on display
BARB’s fundraising team in action during Sunday’s event
Burnham Olympic torch bearer Jason Vickers with his torch at the event
