An article published in a recent edition of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) newsletter has highlighted the dangerous activity of tombstoning. The activity, which involves jumping off cliffs, walls or piers into water is a high risk pursuit that has been gaining an increasing amount of media attention in the UK over the summer period, as it did in Australia over the most recent summer.

The many dangers associated with tombstoning include:

• Water depths that alter with the tide. Water may be shallower than it seems, resulting in high impact injuries and fatalities

• Submerged objects such as rocks that may not be visible

• The shock of cold water that can make it difficult to swim

• Difficulty associated with getting out of the water, which may even be impossible

• Strong currents that can rapidly sweep people away

• The risk of missing the water completely and landing on rocks or concrete

Tombstoning contributes to more than 200 serious injuries in the UK annually, with a further 15 fatalities being recorded. Most of the accidents occur in males, while teenagers are involved in over half of all incidents. Many of those who have survived tombstoning accidents have been left paralysed or brain damaged.

RoSPA advises anyone considering tombstoning to check for hazards in the water. Rocks or other objects may be hidden and hard to see. Ascertain the water's depth - a jump of ten metres requires a depth of at least five metres. Never jump while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA's head of leisure safety, said: "We can see the attraction of tombstoning and why people do it. But because of the nature of jumping from height into the water, particularly at coastal locations, it is extremely hazardous."

This article and other information can be viewed at www.rospa.com 

Amy Peden, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

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