Warning over "tombstoning" in North Yorkshire

Picture: rescue teams at Thomason Foss in June 2020

North Yorkshire police are warning young people not to jump from a great height into water-filled quarries, waterfalls and the sea to cool down.

With the county currently enjoying sunny weather they say there maybe a temptation to go "tombstoning" - but they says the risks of serious injury or even death are real.

Earlier this month, the emergency services were alerted to Thomason Foss near Goathland after a 22-year-old man suffered back injuries when he jumped into the water at the waterfall.

He had to be taken to hospital by air ambulance.

This week,  police were called to a quarry near Great Heck in the Selby District to disperse a gathering of up to 40 young people.

Not only had a large number of them entering the very deep and cold water while under the influence of alcohol, they had also been exposed to pollution.

PC Dave White, of the Safer Selby Hub, said:

“Should someone be injured when jumping in or getting into grave difficulties while swimming, the lives of the emergency service teams are also put at risk from this foolish behaviour.

We urge young people to be sensible and avoid these areas completely.

We also ask parents and carers to raise this issue and warn young people about the dangers involved."

Over in the Scarborough, Filey and Whitby areas, there is the issue of young people jumping into the sea from harbour walls and piers.

Police officers and Coastguards will be on hand to intervene and take action if required.

Chief Inspector Rachel Wood, Operations Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, said:

“Tombstoning is an extremely dangerous thing to do and has cost people their lives in the past.

Sadly, such tragedies will happen again in the future if people – often having been drinking alcohol – continue to take such unnecessary risks at our coastal and countryside areas.

For this to be successful we need the co-operation of the public to be sensible in the first place, and for people to report any concerning behaviour to the police as soon as possible.”

SHARE THIS STORY:

Get our app, and stay up to date!