Coastguard issues plea over tombstoning

Fri, 25 May 2012

The Coastguard has warned against tombstoning

The Coastguard has issued a plea to young people who may be tempted to try the tombstoning craze on the Isle of Man.

With an increase in the good weather the Coastguard has warned people against diving from cliffs, rock faces and harbour areas.

Maritime Coastguard Agency figures from the UK from 2009 to 2011 show there were 22 spinal injuries and six deaths from people jumping into the sea.

In 2009 alone the Isle of Man Coastguard dealt with 12 separate incidents of tombstoning involving 145 individuals.

Sector manager for the Coastguard, Michael MacDonald, said it simply isn’t worth the risk:

(Play media file below)