Man suffers serious leg injuries after tombstoning in Cornish harbour
It comes after a bank holiday safety warning was issued by officials
A man has suffered serious leg injuries after tombstoning in a Cornish harbour.
Coastguard crews got the call to Charleston on Monday evening (30th August).
They say the casualty had jumped into the shallow water and suffered serious injuries to his legs.
Paramedics and the Cornwall Air Ambulance were also called and the man was taken to hospital.
The Mevagissey Coastguard said: "We were paged to assist St Austell Coastguard at Charlestown this evening, after a male jumped into the harbour. However, the water was perhaps too shallow and he sustained serious leg injuries.
"He had been taken out of the water by the time we arrived and Coastguards rendered first aid until South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and critical care paramedics from Cornwall Air Ambulance arrived.
"The male was taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital.
"A timely reminder that jumping into harbours presents a real risk of injury."
It comes after Safer Cornwall issued a bank holiday warning about the dangers of tombstoning.
The partnership is urging people to think twice before jumping from cliffs or harbour walls.
Officials, the RNLI and HM Coastguard say it has claimed lives and caused serious injuries.
What is the safety advice?
Safer Cornwall said: "Those who are determined to take part in tombstoning, despite all the warnings, are urged to follow advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents:
• Check for hazards in the water. Rocks or other objects may be submerged and difficult to see
• Check the depth of the water. Remember tides can rise and fall very quickly
• As a rule of thumb, a jump of ten metres requires a depth of at least five metres
• Never jump whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Check for access. It may be impossible to get out of the water
• Consider the risks to yourself and others. Conditions can change rapidly – young people could be watching and may attempt to mimic the activity. And, if you jump when you feel unsafe or pressured, you probably won't enjoy the experience.
• If you or anyone gets into difficulties around our coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
"Thrill-seekers can learn about the risks involved and have a good experience by trying coasteering - a mix of scrambling, climbing, traversing and cliff jumping around the coast with a professional guide".