08/08/2025
⚠️ Tombstoning kills — 🪨 hidden rocks, 🌊 strong currents, and 💧 shallow water can turn a jump into tragedy.
✅ Stay safe, stay smart.
URGENT SAFETY WARNING!
We must urgently highlight the extreme dangers of tombstoning—the act of jumping into water. Since 2004, the Coastguard has dealt with over 200 incidents, with 70 injuries and 20 deaths in the UK.
We do not want any of our local children and families to deal with life changing injuries or fatalities. Please help us spread the word by talking to the young people in your family about the dangers. Please also remind them that it is unacceptable to use abusive language and threatening behaviour when our safety concerns are being raised with them.
⚠️ Why Tombstoning Is So Dangerous
• Unpredictable Water Depths: Tides change rapidly. What looks deep may be dangerously shallow.
• Hidden Hazards: Submerged rocks, debris, or equipment can cause catastrophic injuries.
• Cold Water Shock: Sudden immersion can trigger involuntary gasping, panic, and muscle failure leaving them exposed to drowning
• Strong Currents: Rivers and coastal waters can sweep people away from safety in seconds.
• Difficult Exits: Climbing out of the water may be far harder than expected.
Please help us keep our community spaces safe and welcoming for everyone by sharing this message. Let’s stop tombstoning before it destroys lives.
And remember that there are fun water sessions most Wednesdays and Saturdays during August on Milford Beach. Contact https://www.facebook.com/Paddlewest for details.