Menu
14/09/2009
Warning Following 'Tombstoning' Video
Stornoway Coastguard have issued a warning against 'tombstone' or pier-jumping following concerns over a video on the Youtube website depicting three local teenagers jumping from 70ft cliffs in to the sea.
The coastguard said jumping from height into water is dangerous because water depth alters with the tide and it might be shallower than it appears, while submerged objects, like rocks and structures, may not be visible. The shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim and can induce a condition known as secondary drowning, plus strong currents can sweep people away.
The coastguard said that tombstoning is becoming increasingly popular and although they realise they can't stop everyone who wants to participate in this activity, they urge people to use common sense and consider the advice on offer:
(GK/KMcA)
The coastguard said jumping from height into water is dangerous because water depth alters with the tide and it might be shallower than it appears, while submerged objects, like rocks and structures, may not be visible. The shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim and can induce a condition known as secondary drowning, plus strong currents can sweep people away.
The coastguard said that tombstoning is becoming increasingly popular and although they realise they can't stop everyone who wants to participate in this activity, they urge people to use common sense and consider the advice on offer:
- Think before you jump
- Be aware of the depth of the water. Remember tides go in and out very quickly - it may start off deep enough but can quickly become shallower
- Be aware of hazards in the water. Rocks or debris under the sea may not be visible through the surface
- Never jump from any object into the sea while under the influence of alcohol or peer pressure
- Consider the risk to others. Young children may be easily influenced by the behaviour they witness
- If anything goes wrong, other people have to put their lives at risk to save yours
(GK/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2015
Search Resumes For Missing Trawler And Fishermen
A major search operation for a trawler and four fishermen missing off the Kent coast has resumed this morning. An air and sea search was launched on Wednesday afternoon following reports the Belgian fishing boat was missing in rough seas and gale force winds.
Search Resumes For Missing Trawler And Fishermen
A major search operation for a trawler and four fishermen missing off the Kent coast has resumed this morning. An air and sea search was launched on Wednesday afternoon following reports the Belgian fishing boat was missing in rough seas and gale force winds.
11 June 2007
Toddler found in sea dies: Father missing
A two-year-old boy who was found floating in the English Channel has died and police say that the search for the boy's father is continuing. At about 6.40pm on Sunday Solent Coastguard received a call from a yacht reporting that they had discovered a dinghy floating empty about a mile out to sea.
Toddler found in sea dies: Father missing
A two-year-old boy who was found floating in the English Channel has died and police say that the search for the boy's father is continuing. At about 6.40pm on Sunday Solent Coastguard received a call from a yacht reporting that they had discovered a dinghy floating empty about a mile out to sea.
05 September 2005
Body found in search for missing aircraft
A body has been found along with the wreckage of a light aircraft belonging to a couple from Cowbridge. A search will continue today for a second person known to have been on board the aircraft which was last spotted on radar at around 13.30 BST on Sunday.
Body found in search for missing aircraft
A body has been found along with the wreckage of a light aircraft belonging to a couple from Cowbridge. A search will continue today for a second person known to have been on board the aircraft which was last spotted on radar at around 13.30 BST on Sunday.
05 September 2003
Coastguard locate missing woman after air-sea search
A 42-year-old woman missing at sea since yesterday morning was airlifted to safety last night by an RAF helicopter five miles off the Isle of Man. Liverpool Coastguard had been co-ordinating the search which centred on an area south of the Isle of Man.
Coastguard locate missing woman after air-sea search
A 42-year-old woman missing at sea since yesterday morning was airlifted to safety last night by an RAF helicopter five miles off the Isle of Man. Liverpool Coastguard had been co-ordinating the search which centred on an area south of the Isle of Man.
11 August 2003
Fisherman dies in stormy seas
A man has died after a series of storms wreaked havoc on shipping lanes off the coast of north-east England yesterday. Yesterday the Hartlepool lifeboat said that it passed through wreckage and fishing pots just off Hartlepool and found two people in the water.
Fisherman dies in stormy seas
A man has died after a series of storms wreaked havoc on shipping lanes off the coast of north-east England yesterday. Yesterday the Hartlepool lifeboat said that it passed through wreckage and fishing pots just off Hartlepool and found two people in the water.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
