Children warned after cliff jumping puts lives in serious danger
MORE than 30 schoolchildren put themselves at “serious risk” after jumping into the water from the cliffs in South Shields.
Police and fire crews are now issuing a warning to youngsters following the incident on Tuesday at Frenchman’s Bay.
The group were seen hurling themselves off the cliffs into the water, known as tombstoning, which could have been potentially fatal, police say.
Thankfully, nobody was injured but emergency services attended and gave advice to those involved. Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing, of Northumbria Police, said: “Especially at a time when emergency services across the UK are already facing significant demands, this kind of behaviour is incredibly irresponsible.
“I would ask young people to consider the serious and potentially fatal consequences of their actions. It might be seen as just a bit of fun but it could take crucial blue-light resources away from other genuine and lifethreatening emergencies. Those individuals who do jump are, quite frankly, rolling the dice and putting their health and well-being at risk.
“They do not know if there are submerged rocks in the waters below and a bad landing could result in life-changing or even fatal injuries.
“Our message is clear – please do not put your lives at risk.
“Even if you think you are jumping safely, other people may be watching and may try to copy your actions.
“Our officers will continue to patrol our coastal areas over the coming days to engage with members of the public, encourage them to follow the current restrictions in place and make sure we all continue to protect those in our communities.”
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) have also advised people to think twice about entering the water after warning the majority of beaches across Northumbria do not currently have lifeguard cover.