Water safety report published after death of boy

Dylan was described as a "happy, brave and warm little boy"

Officials have published an updated report into water safety three years after a young child drowned in a canal.

Three-year-old Dylan Milsom fell into the Kennet and Avon Canal at Victoria Park in Newbury, Berkshire, on 13 March 2021.

West Berkshire Council, the Canal and River Trust, and the emergency services joined forces to implement measures to prevent further incidents.

In the last 12 months, there has been one reported water related fatality in West Berkshire, and two other incidents classed as "near misses".

Analysis of water incidents have also resulted in a Water Safety cabinet being installed in Northcroft Park, Newbury, in addition to those previously installed in Victoria Park and Pangbourne Meadow.

Dylan fell into the canal in Victoria Park, Newbury

The Street Pastors in Newbury have been contacted for their assistance in spreading the word about the dangers of water when walking home from a night out.

The fatality in the past year involved a male returning home from the town centre at night and falling into the canal in the Mill Lane area of Newbury.

The other two incidents were vulnerable users of the Salvation Army building in Newbury town centre falling into the river Kennet opposite the building. Both had to be rescued by the fire service.

On average, around 250 people lose their lives in accidental drownings in the UK every year, with hundreds more having near drowning experiences, sometimes suffering life-changing injuries.

Children can be particularly at risk.

The data also shows that a large proportion of victims did not intend to go into water of a significant depth on the day they died - about 40% of deaths happened while people were out walking or running.

The Water Safety Partnership (WSP) keeps abreast of incidents county-wide to ensure people are aware of current issues, and learn from incidents that happen.

It is currently liaising with Reading Borough Council about establishing a Reading Water Safety Partnership.

The WSP is also working with Pangbourne Parish Council to look at ways to discourage jumping from Whitchurch Bridge.

A range of educational activities around the dangers of water are planned across the district this year.