TWO BOYS RESCUED AFTER JUMPING FROM HARBOUR WALL

Two boys have been rescued this afternoon after getting into difficulty after jumping from Bridlington Harbour wall.

Bridlington Harbour Authority contacted Humber Coastguard when two boys were seen jumping off the harbour wall (10 – 15 foot drop); they were then unable to get back to the steps due to the harsh sea conditions.

Humber Coastguard sent Coastguard Rescue Officers from Bridlington to the scene and requested the launch of the RNLI Bridlington inshore lifeboat.  Humberside Police and Yorkshire Ambulance were also requested to attend.

Lynda Bell - Watch Officer, Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:
 
"The boys were unable to get back to the steps to safety with the weather conditions on scene being easterly winds gusting to 26 knots with strong spray and surf it made the rescue of the boys from the lifeboat very difficult.

I am pleased to say the boys are now safe and well but this incident could easily have developed into something far more serious.

Jumping from harbour walls or piers, often known as ‘tombstoning’ can be dangerous because:
·         Water depth alters with the tide; the water may be shallower than it seems.
·         Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible; they can cause serious injury if you jump onto them.
·         The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim.
·         Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away.

Since 2005 there have been 10 deaths and 36 serious injuries due to ‘tombstoning’.”
Notes to editors:
Listen to our tombstoner radio filler:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/leisurenandtheseaside/mcga-coastbeach/tombstoning.htm




For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401Mobile: 07764 624 505
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

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