A Cornwall-wide warning is being issued, particularly targeting young people, to highlight the dangers of tomb-stoning – jumping or diving from a height into water.

Captain Mark Killingback, Harbour Master at Truro and Penryn, said today: ’People need to take responsibility for their actions and not jump into the unknown.’

Tomb-stoning can be dangerous because:

Water depth alters with the tide; the water may be shallower than it seems.

Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible; they can cause serious injury.

The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim.

Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away.

Cornwall Council community safety manager Tamsin Lees says: ’In some cases, young people are drinking alcohol in areas of Cornwall where tomb-stoning is popular. Mixing alcohol with water activities is particularly dangerous and we would strongly advise young people to think about what it would be like if one of their friends were to be killed or seriously injured. We want young people to have fun, but please, avoid tomb-stoning and stay alive to enjoy next year.’