A warning has been issued about the dangers of tombstoning after youngsters were seen jumping into the sea at a harbour.
Canterbury City Council (CCC) says it has put signs in place advising of the risks – but there must also be an element of “personal and parental responsibility”.
The authority says there have been reports of people leaping off the quayside at Whitstable Harbour earlier than usual this year – even though a Public Space Protection Order means they could be fined £100.
Tombstoning – jumping or diving from a height into water – is commonly considered to be a high-risk activity that can cause serious injury or death.
Last year, teenager Jack Dolan was left brain-damaged after jumping from Margate Harbour Arm.
CCC says tombstoning has also been seen at Herne Bay pier and Hampton pier in previous summers.
The authority adds that strong tides locally make swimming difficult, increasing the risk of being swept out to sea, which has left jumpers in difficulty at the Whitstable Harbour.
In particular, young people have been seen jumping from the Dolphin mooring structure.
There have already been lifeboat call-outs and recoveries in the area this year.
Kellie Gray, volunteer lifeboat operations manager at Whitstable RNLI, said: “Jumping off walls and piers into the sea carries a real risk of serious injury.
“There can be hidden obstacles beneath the water, and because the tide rises and falls, it can be difficult to assess the water depth.
“In the hot weather, we know that beach users want to cool off in the sea, but we always recommend that you go to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags where lifeguards can offer assistance if you get into trouble.
“We want everyone to stay safe and enjoy our beautiful beaches, and to be able to return home safely at the end of a great day.”
CCC is now urging “parental responsibility”, advising people to speak to their children about the risks.
A spokesman explained: “We have signs in place strongly urging people not to jump from the quayside and the piers, and our foreshore team monitor the situation where they can alongside their other work along the whole coastline.
“In addition, our Coastal Public Space Protection Order restricts this activity, meaning adults who jump into the sea from these locations will find themselves at risk of enforcement action, including a fine of £100, for breaching the PSPO.
“But we can only do so much. There must also be an element of personal responsibility and – given it is predominantly younger people involved in this activity – parental responsibility.”
Chairman of the Whitstable Harbour Board, Cllr Chris Cornell, added: “Tombstoning may look like fun, but every year we see youngsters injured and at real risk of drowning near the Dolphin.
“We’d hate to see something worse happen and need your help to get that message out there.”
