A "talented" student with an "infectious smile" died after jumping from a pier to celebrate the end of his GCSEs.
David Ejimofor got into trouble in the water off Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot, South Wales, on Monday evening.
Family of the 15-year-old say he was with friends at the time who encouraged him to take the plunge as part of a "yearly coming of age ceremony" marking the end of high school.
David's loved ones released a heartbreaking statement on Friday as they urged other young people against the tradition, claiming others have also been hurt in the stunt.
Emergency services were called shortly after 6pm on Monday after David was seen struggling in the water, with an urgent search operation launched to find him.
The teenager was pulled from the water and rushed to hospital, but tragically medics were unable to revive him.
His family have now spoken of their devastation warning schools and parents to be aware of the tradition - claiming, "we do not want David to be another statistic".
"This is not something we would want anyone else to have to suffer," they said in a statement released by South Wales Police on Friday.
"It is for this reason we are using our dear David’s life as a beacon for change."
An online petition has also been launched calling for stronger safety measures around open water during warmer weather.
"If everyone including schools are aware of this practice, surely we would expect the Council to have better safeguarding measures in place especially at this time of year," the family said.
"David Ejimofor was not the first to suffer such a fate at the hands of this pier. We do not want David to be another statistic.
"We want his name to serve as an end of this unfortunate trail. It is for this reason that we seek change and reform by improving safeguarding measures at Aberavon Beach."
The 15-year-old was described as a "well behaved and God-fearing young boy" with an "unwavering passion for sports and health".
"He was always striving to be the best version of himself," the family said in their statement.
"He has an infectious smile, caring nature, and boundless enthusiasm. He touched the lives of many.
"This heart-breaking incident has left us devastated. As described by locals, "he is a ray of sunshine to all of us".
"David's dreams of a bright future were cut short, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him."
The teen's school meanwhile described him as an "exemplary pupil"
St. Joseph's Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre in Port Talbot said: He was a bright and diligent young man, hardworking, friendly, and popular with his classmates and teachers. David had a close group of friends.
"David’s wide and welcoming smile lit up every room that he entered. He was polite and well-mannered in all of his interactions, and was admired and respected by pupils and teachers alike."
Miss Baines, Head of Year 11 said: "David was one of the most genuinely kind and conscientious pupils that I’ve ever had the pleasure of having in my year group. When David smiled, he brightened up everybody around him."
She added: "Words cannot describe how devastated I am, and my thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and close friends."
David's family added: "We welcome the police investigation into this unfortunate incident and await a thorough report."
The family are calling for more safety measures around the beach, including safety barriers, increased surveillance and ladders and buoys. You can sign their petition here.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support the family during their heartbreak.
