Pembrokeshire County Council has issued a fresh warning this summer over the dangers that Tenby Harbour 'jumpers' may face from moving boats, with the Local Authority stating that efforts to reduce the numbers involved and the pressure it may put on emergency services are being made.

Highlighting water safety matters for the popular seaside spot, a spokesperson for the Local Authority stated: “Good weather, increased visitors and evening high tides have raised safety and anti-social behaviour concerns.

“Jumpers face potential significant danger from vessel movements within the harbour as well as impact injuries when jumping from height.

“Efforts to reduce the numbers involved and the pressure on emergency services are being made by Pembrokeshire County Council and other agencies,” they continued.

PCC state that 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 – when first entering the water, people may experience cold water shock making it difficult to swim and breathe

• Strong currents can sweep you away

The Local Authority has tried to step up efforts over the past couple of years to control the numbers of youths jumping from the end of the pier into the water, which many boat operators have labelled dangerous.

Temporary gates have been used in the past couple of years by Pembrokeshire Council, to control access to the pier, with a number of youngsters at times congregating in that location.

The move had also been made to combat ‘boy racers’ parking up at the picturesque location.

However, Pembrokeshire Council’s plans to introduce permanent ‘industrial’ metal gates to prevent ‘vehicle entry’ on to Tenby’s iconic harbour pier were refused by the National Park back in May.

In an application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, PCC sought permission to install a swing gate that prevents unauthorised vehicle entry, but allows pedestrians to access the pier end.

The application had been supported by members of Tenby Town Council, but Tenby Civic Society objected due to design, operation, justification and impact on the harbour setting.

A National Park officer report recommending refusal stated: “Whilst consultees are generally supportive of the proposal, it is not regarded as acceptable in terms of its impact upon the special qualities of the National Park including both character and appearance of Tenby Conservation Area and the setting of listed buildings.”

“Due to the industrial design of the gates in what is a highly sensitive and extremely popular area, the proposal is not considered to preserve the setting of the listed pier or the character or appearance of Tenby Conservation Area.

“Officers have considered the weight to be given to the desirability of restricting access to the working pier and reducing conflicts such as tombstoning activities and conflicts with boats. Temporary fencing has currently been used to achieve this which does not require permission.”