Tenby RNLI lifeboat volunteers and beach lifeguards have taken part in a multi-agency exercise, in light of concerns over ongoing ‘tombstoning’ incidents around the seaside town’s harbour, with authorities stating that several injuries and ‘broken bones’ have already been sustained so far this summer, due to youngsters taking risks by jumping off heights into water below.

Pembrokeshire County Council in recent weeks has issued another warning over the dangers of jumping off the pier at Tenby harbour and other parts, following an increased impact on services.

The Local Authority has pointed to an incident that occurred recently, when large groups gathered at the harbour to jump into the sea, leading to two youngsters suffering ‘broken bones’.

Footage appeared on social media this summer, of youngsters once again climbing onto the roofs of private properties at the harbour, to launch themselves into the water.
Footage appeared on social media this summer, of youngsters once again climbing onto the roofs of private properties at the harbour, to launch themselves into the water. (Facebook)

They also highlighted once again a serious risk of injury from boats moving through the busy harbour.

Footage appeared on social media this summer, of youngsters once again climbing onto the roofs of private properties at the harbour, to launch themselves into the water.

The exercise, which was the first of three the RNLI are conducting over the next two months, centered around a simulated tombstoning incident, where a twenty-year-old jumped 30ft off the rocks and was subsequently found face down in the water.

“We took part in a multi-agency medical exercise, involving ourselves, the RNLI beach lifeguards, Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and Milford Haven Coastguard,” a spokesperson for Tenby RNLI shared.

“This is of particular importance at the moment, with numerous reports of young people jumping off high buildings into the waters around Tenby harbour and several injuries being sustained so far this summer.

“The simulation was designed to be as life like as possible from start to finish, beginning with the initial 999 call to the Coastguard and then the lifeguards getting on scene and pulling the casualty from the water and beginning treatment.

Tenby RNLI exercise
“The simulation was designed to be as life like as possible from start to finish, beginning with the initial 999 call to the Coastguard and then the lifeguards getting on scene and pulling the casualty from the water and beginning treatment,” said a spokesperson for Tenby RNLI (Tenby RNLI)

“The lifeboats were then called in to medevac the casualty, who unfortunately deteriorated once aboard the lifeboat, allowing the casualty care providers to practice their skills, before handing over to the Welsh Ambulance medics who could provide more definitive care.

“The exercise was a great success and allowed the various services to see exactly what skills each can bring to an incident, allowing us to work as one big team for the benefit of our casualties,” they added, with two more exercises planned for the summer.

Tenby tombstoning exercise
“The exercise was a great success and allowed the various services to see exactly what skills each can bring to an incident, allowing us to work as one big team for the benefit of our casualties,” said Tenby RNLI (Tenby RNLI)

HM Coastguard and RNLI are reminding everyone that jumping from height into the sea—especially near working boats—is extremely dangerous and can have serious consequences.

Risks include:

  • Jumping into water from height (e.g., rocks or piers) can lead to serious injury or death if you misjudge the depth or land awkwardly.
  • Visibility - you cannot always see what’s under the water. Hidden rocks and sudden changes in depth are common.
  • Cold water shock
  • Strong currents can sweep you away

PCC’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett stated: “While it may appear exciting, it is important to remember that this activity can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injuries.”