The dangers of ‘tombstoning’ at Tenby harbour have surfaced again, with large volumes of children, youngsters...(and even adults on occasions!) seen jumping into the water from the pier and harbour walls this summer, an act considered dangerous because of the risk of hitting water from a height and that posed by underwater hazards such as rocks and shallow water.

Boat owners have stated in the past, that when they have to manoeuvre a vessel in and out of the harbour carrying a large crowd of passengers for example, focus is on their safety - yet youngsters still choosing to jump into the water off the pier, end up swimming around the boats, which causes big concerns for boat operators.

“We know that they’re trying to have fun but it causes big concerns for us boat operators,” said one such boat owner at a past ‘Breakwater’ event held at the harbour, to raise awareness of the dangers of the practice.

“Young people may think that boats can stop immediately but they are not like cars.

“The worst scenario is someone could clank their head against the bow of the boat, go under and connect with the propeller and it could make mince meat out of someone.

“It’s only a matter of time before something tragic happens, and everyone would have to live with something like that,” they added.

One report made to the police recently from a concerned spectator showed video footage captured of two youths climbing onto the roof of the Laston House building located at the harbour, before jumping from a great height into the sea.

In relation to the concerns raised, Superintendent for Pembrokeshire Ross Evans said: “With regard to the Harbour Pier area, and young people jumping into the sea, we have raised this with partners to see what reasonable and legal steps are available in the circumstances. This is currently under discussion.

“This week has been extra busy due to the evening high tides and the mostly favourable weather.”

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have also been made aware of current issues with water safety, particularly with people taking advantage of good weather and the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

“Many people are jumping into the sea from rocks and harbour walls without understanding the risks that they are taking and we are very concerned about the possibility of people sustaining serious injuries,” said a spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Service.

“We will be working with other partner agencies through the summer to highlight the risks and to reduce casualties and anti-social behaviour that is sometimes associated with these activities.

“Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire Youth Services will be working in partnership with the Fire Service to promote water safety at various locations throughout the summer break.

“It is hoped to engage with young people in order to get the message across about the dangers of ‘jumping’ at these hot spots.

“This will feed into a wider multi-agency initiative to address anti-social behaviour, which will see Pembrokeshire Youth Service’s ‘Targeted Youth Team’ out and about throughout the holidays promoting the work of the Fire and Rescue Teams.”