THIS is the shocking moment idiots were caught on camera “tombstoning” from 20ft high castle walls into shallow water below.
Footage shows one adult running across a castle tower in Portsmouth before jumping feet first into the water from a great height.
Multiple people were seen tombstoning off the Round Tower and the Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire Credit: Solent
A warning has been issued after daredevils were caught on camera ‘tombstoning’ at the notorious location Credit: Solent
Teenagers were then seen cheering on adults who were hurling themselves into the sea.
Cops have warned those involved that they are “risking their lives” by launching themselves into the sea from the landmark amid scorching hot weather.
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Known as tombstoning, the act involves diving off of high places while sometimes flipping in the air.
Large crowds on the beach were also caught on camera watching on at the continued displays of risk-taking in broad daylight.
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But officers who have attempted to stop the craze in Portsmouth are being branded “the fun police“.
Teenagers have also been filmed throwing themselves off of various places along the 20ft high sea walls in the city and off of infrastructure used by ferry company Wightlink.
Other youths were also seen swimming across shipping lanes – playing a game of “chicken with a ferry”.
The surge in incidents has seen cops step up patrols along the seafront in the area under “Operation Nautical” to clamp down on these dangerous practices.
Cops have said youngsters are ‘risking their lives’ by launching themselves into the sea Credit: Solent
Teenagers watch on as a man ‘tombstones’ from a height into the water Credit: Solent
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “Tombstoning is dangerous, irresponsible and simply not worth risking your life for.
“Over the last four years I’ve invested in youth diversion programmes specifically in Old Portsmouth and along the seafront to protect young people and help improve the lives of residents.
“Do parents and carers know where their children are and what they’re getting up to during the school holidays?
“They need to be having serious conversations with them. Keeping people safe takes more than just the police alone.”
It is understood that one man who jumped off The Round Tower, a three-storey-high castle tower, after climbing over the rail, injured their neck in the dive.
Boys were also seen shouting at officers travelling in the vicinity on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), with one of them exclaiming: “Are you the fun police?”
Chief Inspector Sam Warne said large crowds have been commonplace in Old Portsmouth and Southsea this summer due to the heatwave temperatures.
He added that high visibility patrols will continue, and various actions including dispersal orders and community resolutions, will be considered.
One fool dangerously climbs a high spot to jump off on Credit: Solent
Officers who attempt to curtail it in Portsmouth are being dubbed ‘the fun police’ Credit: Solent
A total of 17 people have been asked to leave designated areas between June 20 and 22 under the previous order, where failing to comply can result in an arrest.
The RNLI has issued a warning to those thinking of tombstoning in an effort to make them think twice before committing such stunts.
Sydney Horsted, Lead Lifeguard for West Sussex, said: “We would strongly advise against any kind of tombstoning, including jumping from South Parade Pier. There are various hazards involved and this is an incredibly high-risk activity.
“The water depth changes with the tide – even if it looks deep enough, it may well be too shallow. There is also the risk of submerged objects under the water that you can’t see until it’s too late.
“In Southsea in particular, we have very strong lateral currents that can quickly sweep swimmers underneath the pier.
“The pier itself is also a very old structure, formed of sharp metal poles and wooden pylons that can cause cuts quite easily. These may also be submerged under the water.
“Even in the summer the water is cool and jumping into the sea on a hot sunny day can cause cold water shock, causing someone to panic when they enter the water suddenly.
“In this situation you should float on your back until you are calm, stretching out your arms and legs, tilting your head back and calming your breathing – you can then shout for help.”
When asked about the activity specifically on The Round Tower and Hot Walls, a spokesperson said tomb-stoning from there is a “seriously dangerous activity” due to rocks beneath the surface, strong currents, and changing tides.
They added that boats, jet skies, and other watercraft can also cause problems.
The spokesperson said: “We urge people to stop and think before jumping. A single jump can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
