PORTREATH 'TOMBSTONERS' LEAPING 200FT INTO THE SEA

09:00 - 24 August 2006
Police and lifeguards warned this week that children are risking life and limb by hurling themselves into the sea from a 200ft-high cliff at Portreath. They said it was "only a matter of time" before a youngster suffered a serious injury, or was killed.

The craze of jumping into the harbour entrance, which is known as tombstoning, has been popular at the seaside resort for years.

But police warned that children were putting themselves in serious jeopardy by leaping from greater heights this summer.

Acting Sgt Tim Roberts, the neighbourhood beat manager for Portreath, said: "Officers from the Redruth neighbourhood police team have had occasion to speak to children following complaints from the public.

"Basically, the individuals have shrugged off the officers' advice and just laughed. I would appeal to parents whose children are going to Portreath to check with them what they are doing there.

"With the heights involved, common sense says it is only a matter of time before someone is injured, or worse."

On Sunday afternoon, the West Briton pictured a 15-year-old boy jumping into the harbour entrance from an 80ft-high cliff ledge. After his father gave him permission to talk to our reporter, Tom Wilkins said: "I've been doing it for a month.

"It's a feeling of fear, but when you've done it, you can't believe it."

Asked if he thought he was putting himself at risk, Tom said: "I only do it when it's safe. "The weather needs to be clear and the sea quite calm."

Coastguards said they had received a number of 999 calls this summer from eyewitnesses worried about the safety of children leaping into the sea at Portreath. "The really keen ones are jumping 200ft into the mouth of the harbour," said Mark Roberts, the coastguard station officer in the village.

"They are running the risk of death or serious injury. We're only here to preserve life and safe life. It is a dangerous pursuit and we strongly advise them not to do it, but they won't listen to you."

The 200ft stretch of cliff that has become a popular jumping spot is known locally as "pepper pot", while the 80ft drop is labelled "high cliffs".

Cllr Ken Bowden, a member of Portreath Council and a former chairman of Kerrier Council, said: "They call it tombstoning. I think it's dangerous but they only do it when there's no surf. I don't know what the answer is - you cannot patrol the cliffs all the time."