Published: August 13, 2015
New Burnham jetty safety scare three years after Dylan tragedy
Burnham-On-Sea’s rescue crews were called out on Wednesday evening (August 12th) amid concern for the safety of this youngster seen wading in sea water on the town’s jetty at the same spot that four year-old Dylan Cecil drowned three years ago this week.
A seafront walker called 999 at 9.10pm after becoming alarmed that the man was paddling with the rapidly-falling tide around him.
Burnham Coastguards, a BARB crew and an RNLI lifeboat were on scene and the man was given safety advice regarding the danger that he was potentially putting himself in.
Burnham Coastguard Officer Ian Jefferies told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The jetty should never be used for paddling or swimming – there are dangerous currents there that can lead to people getting into difficulty. Our beaches are very safe for swimming when the tide is in, and with lifeguards nearby. We advise beach users to head the warning signs and stay safe.”
BARB’s crewmembers, who were nearby training at the time, were quickly on scene and Operations Manager Mike Lowe said: “Several of our crew were already in their water safety kit, having been taking part in flood rescue training, so spoke to the man and give him safety advice and pointed him towards the safer paddling areas.”
It’s three years since young Dylan Cecil drowned after falling into the sea from the jetty on August 19th, 2012. A number of safety improvements have been made to the jetty by Sedgemoor District Council since then, including extra warning signs around the jetty, a new audible warning system, and an enhanced beach lifeguard service.
