Tombstoning
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Learn about the dangers of tombstoning and about a safer alternative.
What is it?
Tombstoning involves jumping or diving off a cliff side into water of unknown depth. Most people do it for the rush of the free fall and crashing in to the water, but it can be very dangerous.
Accidents
Tombstoning may give you an adrenaline rush, but the risks aren’t worth it. Cliff sides can be quite rocky and unstable and can easily collapse under your feet.
Also, the currents in the water might be too strong for you to swim safely to shore. Many tombstoners have been washed into caves or further out to sea.
There's no way to know how deep the water is, or what’s underneath the surface. The water could be more shallow than you think or it could be very rocky.
Coasteering
Before you think we're just spoiling your fun, why not try coasteering?
Coasteering is a cool and safer way to check out a piece of the coastline. It involves jumping from a height in to safe waters and a bit of rock climbing too. Not a bad way to get an adrenaline rush, right?
It’s safe because everything is regulated. Even the weather, water currents and locations are all checked beforehand to make sure everything goes smoothly. Get involved.
Breach of the Peace
Another reason why coasteering is a better option because tombstoners can be charged for Breach of the Peace. This means that they disturb public peace and order, and are a danger to themselves.
A 17 year old boy in Arbroath was recently charged for Breach Of The Peace after tombstoning from a high cliff into strong water. Unfortunately he couldn’t swim to shore, so he had to cling on to the side of the cliff until rescue services could reach him.
Don't jump!
The Maritime And Coastguard (MCA) has recently launched an anti-tombstoning campaign to warn people of the risks.
Mike Bill, from Humber Coastguard explains, “Hundreds of incidents happen every year and many end in severe permanent injuries.”
In the last two years there have been nine deaths in different coastal areas around the UK. Many more people injure themselves, sometimes permanently.
Not only do the MCA encourage you to think about your own actions, but how it could affect others too. The MCA website advises, ‘ Even if you are jumping safely, children may be watching and could copy your actions.’
Think before you tomb
Our advice is don't do it, but if you decide to ignore the advice think about the safety aspects first.
Are you sure you know how deep the water below you is or how strong the currents are? Remember, conditions can change very quickly.
Ask yourself whether you’ll be able to swim back to shore without any trouble. Rocks, seaweed and waste could all affect your swim back.
Make sure you never tombstone alone. It's better to be with a crowd of friends so you can help each other if necessary. Don't tombstone just to impress them.
With coasteering as an option, what's the point in taking the risk?
