Coastguard warning over tombstoning peer pressure

Guernsey Coastguard has warned people not to allow "peer pressure, alcohol or other factors to influence their judgement" when considering jumping into the sea.

The coastguard said it was particularly warning against "tombstoning", when people jumped into the water from cliffs, sea walls, rocks and piers.

Head of Guernsey Coastguard James Way said tombstoning could have "devastating consequences" as the depth of the water could change dramatically throughout the day.

Way said "many incidents happen because somebody is encouraged to take a risk they would not otherwise take" and urged people to "think carefully before acting".

Way said when people jumped into water from height they were "quite literally jumping into the unknown".

He said: "The depth of the water can change dramatically throughout the day, meaning it may be much shallower than it appears.

"Just the impact with the water from enough height can cause serious injury or paralysis."

"Many incidents happen because somebody is encouraged to take a risk they would not otherwise take.

"We would urge people to think carefully before acting, and to remember that younger children may be watching and could be tempted to copy what they see."

Way said, over the past 20 years, coastguard services in the British Isles had dealt with more than 200 tombstoning-related incidents, resulting in more than 70 injuries and 20 deaths, including children as young as 12.

"These aren't just statistics. They're people whose lives have been changed forever by a split-second decision," he said.

"If you want the experience of jumping into the water, do so under the supervision of a qualified coasteering instructor."

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