‘Tombstoning’ Danger Warning

A SAFETY warning has been issued about current spates of ‘tombstoning’ off piers and wharfs as the good weather increases.
HM Coastguard Southend has seen a rise in the presence of people, mainly teenagers, jumping off jetties and other structures into the sea, around Leigh and Southend.
The coastguard team are issuing the notice to direct all parents of children, specifically those of teenage years, to warn them of the dangers.
A statement read: “With the weather picking up for the better over recent weeks, this safety message is directed to all who jump (‘tombstone’) off our local piers and jetties, namely: Barge Pier on Garrison, Gilson Pier on Marine Parade and Bell Wharf at Old Leigh.
“Many of these piers have restricted access with warning signs for the very reason to deter such practices, but they are continually vandalised and/or children climb on the outside to gain access.”
The Coastguard continue that whilst the activity may appear fun, hidden danger can lurk beneath the water.
They state: “Whilst such activities may appear fun on the surface, these local piers and jetties actually have hidden dangers and dangerous tidal flows underneath, and Southend Coastguard is called out multiple times to incidents on these specific piers and jetties mentioned above.
“Every year people sadly die around the UK while visiting the coast. These aren’t just numbers—these tragedies have changed the lives of mums, dads, children and whole families, as well as friends and colleagues, forever.”
The Coastguard has issued specific guidance, urging people to “think before you leap. You don’t always know what you’re jumping into.”
They add that “the depth of water can dramatically change with the tide here in Southend. We have seen too many people jump in on an ‘ebb tide’ (outgoing tide)—this is extremely dangerous.”
They state that “the shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim safely, and strong currents can quickly sweep you away. This is especially so around Barge Pier on the Garrison.”
“There is a reason it’s called ‘tombstoning’—don’t let them be one of the statistics!” they add.
“Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life!”
Picture: The Coastguard at Bell Wharf, Old Leigh
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