Joint statement from Cllr David King, Colchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Local Government Reorganisation, Communities and Public Protection and West Mersea Town Council, said:
Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
We understand the concerns being expressed by the community and welcome the passion and local knowledge of those committed to improving water safety in Mersea.
While this incident does not appear to have taken place on Colchester City council-owned land, we are committed to working with partners through the Mersea Water Safety Forum and with neighbouring landowners to promote clear and consistent water safety messaging along the coastline.
Earlier this year, Colchester City Council commissioned an independent beach risk assessment for council-owned land. The assessment concluded that the council was taking a reasonable approach to managing water safety risks and identified opportunities to update signage, which is already underway and due to be completed shortly.
The assessment also recognised the challenging nature of this stretch of coastline and noted that, despite the provision of signage and other safety measures, it remains foreseeable that people can get into difficulty in the water due to the area's complex tidal movements and changing conditions.
The sea is beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable and dangerous. We encourage everyone visiting the coast to follow water safety advice and take care in and around the water. As more information becomes available, we will continue to work with partners to consider any lessons that can be learned from this tragic incident.
Safer Essex Roads Partnership - Free "Driving with Confidence" course. For more details: Driving with Confidence leaflet PDF
Public Notice - Essex County Council (Footpath 36, West Mersea) (Temporary Prohibition of Use) Order 2026
Effect of the order: To temporarily close footpath 36, from its junction with Reymead Close to its junction with Vince Close for approximately 38 metres.
The closure is scheduled to commence on 30th July to 3rd August 2026 or where appropriate signs are showing and weather permitting.
Full details can be found on the public notice: Public Notice PDF
Location map: Map PDF
Colchester City Residents' Panel is open to anyone living in Colchester who is 18 years old or older.
Colchester City Council would like to hear what the residents of our wonderful city have to say. We want to have your input for the future of Colchester.
To sign up online, click on the link: Colchester residents' panel, and you will receive emails with updates and invitations for future meetings.
For more information, view the poster: click here
To view the latest edition of the Community Micro-enterprise Project Directory (May 2026): Directory link PDF
An Energy Saving document containing lots of useful information has been supplied by Colchester City Council. For more details: click here
1. Cost of Living Support. For more information: click here
Colchester City Council have put together a list of warm welcoming spaces, if you know of a space that is not shown on the link above, please email communities@colchester.gov.uk with the details.
2. A One Colchester support video has been commissioned by Colchester City Council and partners called 'Here to help you and your family'. To view the video: click here
3. A programme of outreach continues with Colchester City Council officers attending a variety of events and locations to offer advice.
4. Contact details for support. Website: click here - Email: benefits.advice@colchester.gov.uk - Telephone: 01206 505855
West Mersea Town Council
10 Melrose Road, West Mersea
Colchester, Essex, CO5 8JD
Email: carol.fountain@westmerseatowncouncil.gov.uk
Telephone: 01206 382128
Office opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Friday
9am to 12pm.
You can still contact us by telephone and email at other times.