Coastguards warn against tombstoning

COASTGUARDS have issued a warning on the dangers of tombstoning, after a group of youngsters were seen jumping off Axmouth harbour wall at the weekend.

Tombstoning refers to jumping in a straight or upright position into the sea or water from a height.

Last July, a major rescue operation involving the coastguard, RNLI, police, ambulance service, Hazardous Area Response Team and two helicopters was launched after two teenage boys were swept out to sea having been jumping off the wall at Axmouth harbour.

The incident was recently featured on the BBC series 'Saving Lives at Sea'.

On Sunday, May 24, a group of 12-15 youths were seen tombstoning at the entrance of Axmouth harbour and Beer coastguard have now shared a video warning of the dangers.

A spokesperson for Beer coastguard commented: "The emergency services are very busy at this time, any accidents would be putting a strain on these resources."

Beer coastguard also has two call-outs on the evening of Tuesday, May 26. At 7.24pm they were called to two boys on the cliff above Beer beach who were seen leaning over a wall to try and recover their ball.

The coastguards issued safety advice and managed to get their ball back to prevent them or anybody else trying to retrieve it.

At 8.04pm they were then called to a woman who had broken her ankle on Sidmouth beach. Coastguards assisted the ambulance service and stretchered her to the ambulance.