Harbour Master at Bude, Paul Vincent, said: “We have seen issues in Bude with people jumping from the lock and off the road bridge into the canal with the added danger that someone will land on a rowing boat as it emerges from under the bridge.”
This isn’t a problem that is just occurring in Bude. Further down Cornwall, there is a big problem with tomb-stoning in Portreath as Harbour Master for Truro and Penryn, Mark Killingback explains.
Mark said: “We have had complaints from the local coastguard volunteers at Portreath that they are regularly turning out to warn young people who climb around the railings and gain access to the finger pier even though the signs and information indicate there is no access to the pier.
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“A few years ago in Portreath, a serious accident resulted in someone suffering from broken limbs and the individual had to be rescued by the emergency services.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of that kind of incident and people need to take responsibility for their actions and not jump into the unknown.”
He adds: “Colleagues at St Ives and Newquay have also reported dangerous activity there and we have had reports of young people seen jumping from Penryn road bridge into the harbour. Safety signs are being ignored.”
Tomb-stoning can be dangerous because:
l Water depth alters with the tide; the water may be shallower than it seems
l Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible; they can cause serious injury if you jump onto them
l The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim
l Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away.
Cornwall Council community safety manager, Tamsin Lees, said: “In some cases, young people are drinking alcohol in areas of Cornwall where tomb-stoning is popular. Mixing alcohol with water activities is particularly dangerous, and we would strongly advise young people to think about what it would be like if one of their friends were to be killed or seriously injured. We want young people to have fun, but please, avoid tomb-stoning and stay alive to enjoy next year.”
Paul Walker, Chief Fire Officer for Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service, said: “The statistics show the devastating impact this high risk activity can have and I ask people to refrain from tomb-stoning along the Cornwall coastline. Stay safe by accessing and enjoying the sea in designated areas where your safety is monitored by professional RNLI lifeguards.”
Cornwall Council cabinet member, Geoff Brown, said: “Tomb-stoning can be dangerous or potentially even fatal and is a problem in many areas of the UK including inland waters. The message is clear if you do not know that the depth of the water is safe or you cannot see what is below the surface don’t jump. Think before you get involved. Don’t let alcohol, drugs or your friends affect your judgement. Even if you think you are jumping safely, children may be watching you and copy your actions.”
If you want to report a dangerous incident, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
The Maritime and Coastguard agency has issued safety advice in relation to tomb-stoning.
The agency said:
l Water depth alters with the tide; the water may be shallower than it seems
l Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible; they can cause serious injury if you jump onto them
l The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim
l Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away.