Tombstoning youngsters sparks coastguard warning

A PHOTOGRAPH showing youngsters jumping off cliffs at Ladram Bay has sparked a warning from coastguard officials.

A PHOTOGRAPH showing youngsters jumping off cliffs at Ladram Bay has sparked a warning from coastguard officials.

The coastguards say jumping from high cliffs into water below - known as tombstoning - is potentially lethal and could cause injury, paralysis or even death.

The photograph, showing three lads jumping off the rocks into the sea below, was captured by a family while walking along the coast path.

Brixham coastguard said hidden dangers, such as rocks, often caught out tombstoners, who were unaware of any risk until it was too late.

A Brixham coastguard spokesman said: "People are not aware of the depth of the water and when it's shallow, it can cause serious injury."

See the photograph in the Journal, on September 24.