Boy, 14, hurt after tombstoning

The teenager, who has not been named, was tombstoning - jumping into water from height - in the Fishers Nose area of the Barbican in Plymouth, Devon. But he suffered suspected spinal injuries, a broken wrist and lacerations when he slipped and fell onto rocks.

He was rescued by inshore lifeboat and taken to hospital in the city.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Coastguards have repeatedly warned thrill seekers about the dangers of tombstoning. The RNLI warning followed incidents in which two men in their 20s were left paralysed after tombstoning on the May Day weekend in Whitsand Bay, east Cornwall, and at Southsea Pier.

A Brixham coastguard spokesman said: "You would think after people had injured themselves others might think again, but obviously not."

An increasing number of beach-goers were trying out tombstoning but recent tragedies illustrated the "sheer danger" of the activity, the RNLI said.

The RNLI's Head of Prevention and Lifeguards, Peter Dawes, said: "As an expert in beach safety, the RNLI charity always advises people never to tombstone - they wouldn't expect to jump off a high-rise building and walk away, so they shouldn't expect to if they try tombstoning.

"Jumping from heights into water is so dangerous because water depth alters with the tide, so it might be shallower than it appears, submerged objects like rocks may not be visible, the shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim, plus strong currents can sweep people away rapidly.

"In particular, we would urge parents to make sure their children are aware of the dangers and the safety advice we are offering. Unfortunately, this activity is becoming increasingly popular and, as recent cases have shown, what is intended to be a bit of fun can turn into tragedy.

"We realise we cannot stop everyone who wants to participate in this activity, but we advise those that do to use their common sense and consider the advice we offer."