IT’S hard to believe this week marks one year since the death of young Ben Quartermaine.

For many this time may have passed quickly.

But Ben’s parents always say they simply take each day as it comes.

Every day they wake up and face a reality without their beloved cheeky teenager.

His mum says the grief is still fresh.

But it has helped the family enormously to know how much people truly care about what happened to Ben.

Since he lost his life in the waters off Clacton Pier, a greater emphasis has been placed on teaching children sea safety.

The RNLI have seen a surge in support and this weekend’s remembrance day will hopefully go a long way to furthering that feeling of goodwill.

After all, the volunteers deserve it.

If it wasn’t for their efforts, we would be mourning the loss of two children, not one.

Their quick reaction and determination saved one life that day.

There are lessons to be learned from Ben’s death - primarily encouraging a greater awareness of the dangers of the sea.