By Jake Lanning, West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team

As August rapidly approaches, my mind wanders back to my carefree teenage years of blissful summers spent in West Bay. Hanging out with my friends, BBQs on the beach, swimming, bodyboarding and yes, I did jump off the piers once or twice. Looking back on this now, I shudder with how foolish this activity actually was.

‘But it’s just kids being kids’, is a phrase that I’m often confronted with. So I thought I would throw some facts and figures out there and let you decide if this is an activity you would like your family and friends taking part in.

The appropriately named ‘tombstoning’ is the act of jumping from cliffs, piers, rocks and harbour walls into the water. In recent years, the coastguard has responded to more than 200 tombstoning incidents. Out of those, 70 people have suffered injuries, some of them life-changing, and a further 20 people have lost their lives. Of those who were injured, the youngest was only 12 and the oldest was 45.

The coastguard does not want to ruin anyone’s fun, but the reality is that jumping off the piers at West Bay is simply just not safe.

Water depth alters constantly with the tide and the water may be a lot shallower than it seems. The build up of sand, rocks and debris may not be visible from above and strong currents can easily sweep you away. The sudden shock of cold water immersion can make swimming treacherous, as can swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The image which was taken last year shows the coastguard, RNLI and ambulance service dealing with the immediate aftermath of an incident at Armchair Rock near Paignton, Torbay.

You have to ask yourself - is jumping into the unknown really worth the risk?

For more information, visit gov.uk/coastguardsafety