The number of Coastguard incidents occurring along Burnham-On-Sea’s coastline has fallen by more than half since last summer’s tragic death of four year-old Dylan Cecil.
New figures out this week show Burnham Coastguards were called to 50 per cent fewer mud and sea rescues over the summer than in previous years.
And in August, which is usually the busiest month of the year during the summer holidays, the number of incidents was down by 80 per cent.
Coastguard Severn Sector Manager Tristram Newey told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Burnham’s Coastguards had a very quiet summer and that was mainly due to the tragedy last year.”
“People’s awareness of the dangers has been raised and there were far fewer mud and sea rescues as a result. Visitors have been taking extra care, which is positive.”
He added that Sedgemoor District Council’s introduction of RNLI lifeguards at Burnham and Berrow also contributed to the numbers.
Dylan Cecil drowned in August 2012 after falling into the sea from Burnham’s jetty, prompting the council to introduce a number of new safety measures around the jetty and along the coastline.
