Dangers of Tombstoning

SOUTHEND Coastguard is warning of the dangers of young people jumping off Bell Wharf and other pier structures on the city’s beaches.

On Sunday, May 12, HM Coastguard Southend reported a “a large number of young people” jumping off Barge Pier, Shoeburyness, into the water – in a practice known as ‘tombstoning’.

This follows reports of young people jumping into water off Bell Wharf in Old Leigh.

In a post on its Facebook page, the Coastguard said that the warm weather had seen an increase in youngsters “who think it is ‘cool’ to jump into the water”.

As a result, they issued some safety advice to parents and young people, who may not be aware of hidden beams and structures lying just under the water that present real dangers.

“The message to all parents is, please help us educate your loved ones to the hidden dangers of tombstoning in our local area,” the social media post said.

“There is a reason it’s called ’tombstoning’ – don’t let them be one of the statistics!”

Alan Manson, coastguard rescue officer at Southend Coastguard, said that just because you may have jumped into the water safely once, the depth can change very quickly, as a cause of the tides.

“With an ebb-flow outgoing tide, that water could have dropped a couple of feet,” he said, adding this “could cause injuries, spinal injuries or death.”

“It is so difficult to see the depth of the water.”

In summer 2023, Thomas Warren, 27, suffered serious injuries to his brain and spine after diving into waist-deep water on Bell Wharf Beach.

Following surgery and treatment, Mr Warren died in the Royal London Hospital 10 days later.

Mr Manson added: “We’re not looking to be ‘the fun police’.

“Think before you leap.”

“We do want people to enjoy the great coastline that we have, but we want people to return safely back to their families at the end of the day.”

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