Warnings about the dangers of 'tombstoning' on the East Yorkshire Coast
Tombstoning is an activity where people jump from a height into water
People on the East Yorkshire Coast are being warned about the consequences of jumping into the sea from a height.
It is called 'tombstoning' and it is an activity where you enter the water from cliffs, rocks or piers.
The Coastguard says summer time usually sees an increase in these incidents which can result in being paralysed or even death.
Fran Wilkins, senior coastal operations manager, said: "You don't know what the depth of the water is, particularly when you're doing it along the coast the tide comes in and goes out so what you looked at earlier that was quite deep water can now be very shallow. There's obviously other things under there that could mean you land on those, like rocks and debris that's built up in the sea, instead of a nice, smooth bottom.
"You wouldn't jump into water that you knew was a foot deep from 10-foot high and by doing that, all that force goes through your body and whatever place it impacts. If you land on your back, all that force goes through your back and if people dive in head first, it all goes through their neck so people can get up paralysed or dead.
"We definitely see an increase when it's warm because the sea and water looks much more inviting then. We also see an increase during holidays and that's not necessarily always just that children aren't at school, it could be people visiting the area that aren't aware of these hazards and then if you bring really warm weather into that as well then it definitely increases.
"Do not engage in this type of activity because it's high risk. Use water in a safe environment so go off the beach, rather than jumping in off a pier for example. Always enter the water in a controlled manner and then you're at less risk of cold water shock. Use lifeguarded beaches, swim between the flags, don't swim in areas where there are other boating activities.
"Be safe at the seaside. If you aren't sure if it's a safe activity then have a little look, have look at tide times, ask a lifeguard, ask someone 'is it OK to swim here? Is it OK to use paddleboards here?' If you see anyone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We don't want to stop people enjoying the beach, we just want them to do it safely."