Warning over 'tombstoning' in Fordingbridge
Reports of people jumping from a bridge in the town into the River Avon
Extra police patrols were carried out Fordigbridge yesterday evening after a number of people were reported to be jumping from a bridge into the River Avon as temperatures soared.
Hampshire Police said the high risk activity carries a "risk of serious injury."
WHAT IT TOMBSTONING
Tombstonig' is when thrill seekers jump vertically from a height such as a cliff, bridge or pier into a body of water.
It gets its name because of the way a person falls and plunges into deep water, similar to a stone.
DANGERS
Some 20 people have died doing this since 2005 and countless others have been severely injured.
One of the biggest issues is water can be much shallower than people expect.
Hidden rocks and debris are often not seen until it is too late leading to injuries.
There is also the impact of hitting the water to consider, the higher up you jump from - the harder the impact of the water will be.
Other dangers include the shock of cold water, even in summer temperatures can be much colder than you expect.
There's also the danger of currents.
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