East Riding of Yorkshire Council has brought in new regulations to stop the dangerous practice of “tombstoning” in Bridlington.
In recent years, Bridlington has experienced a number of tombstoning incidents, which the council says risk the safety of the people jumping in and those who may have to rescue them.
There have also been complaints about the anti-social behaviour of some groups of jumpers, including using bad language and spitting out seawater when getting out the sea.
A new variation to the town’s existing public spaces protection order (PSPO) aims to remove the dangers and anti-social behaviour while encouraging visitors and residents to enjoy water-based activities safely.
Under the PSPO, anyone caught jumping or diving from the sea wall or other structures could be issued with a £75 fixed penalty notice. Those who do not pay could be prosecuted through the courts and fined up to £1,000.
East Riding Council and the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners have put up signs in several known tombstoning locations to make people aware of the restrictions.
Councillor Leo Hammond, portfolio holder for public protection, said:
“During the summer, dangerous water-related activities tend to increase, not only in the East Riding but across the country.
“By raising awareness about the dangers of tombstoning and taking action against those who ignore the warnings, we want to create an environment where everyone can enjoy our beautiful coastline safely and without anti-social behaviour ruining their day.”
Lawrence Porter, Bridlington harbour master, said:
“Tombstoning has been an issue over many years and the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners fully support East Riding of Yorkshire Council in this new regulation.
“We hope that this will deter individuals from engaging in the unsafe practice of tombstoning in and around Bridlington harbour”.
According to the National Water Safety Forum, there are around 400 water-related deaths each year in the UK.
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