TOMBSTONING: IS IT WORTH THE RISK?
Her Majesty's Coastguard, Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Bangor Marina and Harbour manager are asking people not to put
themselves at risk during this spell of good weather.
The warning comes after the agencies noticed an increase in the number of people jumping off Eisenhower Pier as well as a rise in the number of young people consuming alcohol in the area.
Steve Carson, Rescue Coordination Centre Manager at Belfast
Coastguard, said: “We always urge people to have fun but stay safe when out
enjoying our beautiful coastline.
“Jumping from piers, cliffs and rocks – or tombstoning as it is also known - is a big concern as it’s extremely dangerous. Water depth alters with the tide, so deep water at lunch will be extremely shallow and dangerous by tea time. Objects like rocks may not be visible either, and they can cause serious injury if you jump onto them.
“It’s also worth remembering that the sea and alcohol do not mix. If you have been drinking, your judgement will be impaired.”
Constable Ken Butler, Bangor Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "While we want people to enjoy the great weather, we want them to do so responsibly and we are very concerned that there has been an increase in the number of young people gathering in the town centre and drinking alcohol in prohibited areas, particular in the area of the Marina.
"Some of these young people are then taking their lives in their hands by jumping off Eisenhower Pier. This is clearly a reckless thing to be doing as it can be extremely dangerous. You are putting yourselves at risk of serious, life-changing injury or even death and I would urge everyone to deter from doing this.
"I would also remind everyone that by-laws are in place prohibiting drinking in public places and jumping off the pier and officers will not hesitate to enforce them. Where possible, we will also confiscate alcohol and report people to local Councils, the Public Prosecution Service or Youth Diversion Officers.
"We will continue working with our partner agencies to discourage this sort of behaviour over the summer months."
Bangor Harbour Master and Marina Manager, Kevin Baird, urged people to think about their actions.
He said: “Please don’t jump into the unknown - diving and swimming from the Eisenhower Pier could have severe and life-threatening consequences."
Explaining the potential dangers, he added: "The depth of water may be shallower than it seems. Even at the Eisenhower Pier, beneath the surface, submerged objects like rocks and boulders may not be visible and these can cause serious impact injuries.
“At this time of the year the sea water temperature is still extremely cold and the shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim and getting out of the water is often more difficult than people realise. Also, as we move into the summer season, there is ever increasing activity with large powerful vessels manoeuvring within the Harbour and Marina, which means there is the ever present danger of swimmers not being seen until it’s too late. I urge everyone to observe the by-laws and stay out of the water."
Anyone who sees someone in difficulty at the coast should call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.
The warning comes after the agencies noticed an increase in the number of people jumping off Eisenhower Pier as well as a rise in the number of young people consuming alcohol in the area.
Steve Carson, Rescue Coordination Centre Manager at Belfast
Coastguard, said: “We always urge people to have fun but stay safe when out
enjoying our beautiful coastline.“Jumping from piers, cliffs and rocks – or tombstoning as it is also known - is a big concern as it’s extremely dangerous. Water depth alters with the tide, so deep water at lunch will be extremely shallow and dangerous by tea time. Objects like rocks may not be visible either, and they can cause serious injury if you jump onto them.
“It’s also worth remembering that the sea and alcohol do not mix. If you have been drinking, your judgement will be impaired.”
Constable Ken Butler, Bangor Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "While we want people to enjoy the great weather, we want them to do so responsibly and we are very concerned that there has been an increase in the number of young people gathering in the town centre and drinking alcohol in prohibited areas, particular in the area of the Marina.
"Some of these young people are then taking their lives in their hands by jumping off Eisenhower Pier. This is clearly a reckless thing to be doing as it can be extremely dangerous. You are putting yourselves at risk of serious, life-changing injury or even death and I would urge everyone to deter from doing this.
"I would also remind everyone that by-laws are in place prohibiting drinking in public places and jumping off the pier and officers will not hesitate to enforce them. Where possible, we will also confiscate alcohol and report people to local Councils, the Public Prosecution Service or Youth Diversion Officers.
"We will continue working with our partner agencies to discourage this sort of behaviour over the summer months."
Bangor Harbour Master and Marina Manager, Kevin Baird, urged people to think about their actions.
He said: “Please don’t jump into the unknown - diving and swimming from the Eisenhower Pier could have severe and life-threatening consequences."
Explaining the potential dangers, he added: "The depth of water may be shallower than it seems. Even at the Eisenhower Pier, beneath the surface, submerged objects like rocks and boulders may not be visible and these can cause serious impact injuries.
“At this time of the year the sea water temperature is still extremely cold and the shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim and getting out of the water is often more difficult than people realise. Also, as we move into the summer season, there is ever increasing activity with large powerful vessels manoeuvring within the Harbour and Marina, which means there is the ever present danger of swimmers not being seen until it’s too late. I urge everyone to observe the by-laws and stay out of the water."
Anyone who sees someone in difficulty at the coast should call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.
