Warning issued by WSCC, and Littlehampton coastguards over dangers of tombstoning in the River Arun

Warnings have been issued over the dangers of #Tombstoning in the #River #Arun. Statements down below.

(Cc) Steve Roberts

Philippa Dart, director of services at Arun District Council, said: “We have joined forces with other agencies to really push home the importance of this safety message. Tombstoning is an extremely dangerous activity that could ruin your life so it’s worth thinking twice before taking such a risk. Swimming in the River #Arun at Littlehampton is highly dangerous too and is also against the rules. If you are a parent or guardian of somebody who engages in these activities, please speak with them and emphasise the dangers before it’s too late.”

Littlehampton Harbour Master Harry Gregory said: “Whilst leaping into our beautiful river may initially seem appealing in warm weather or an exciting way to blow off some steam, there are many serious hazards that are not always immediately obvious. Those tempted should also be aware that the harbour’s safety regulations (which are enforceable in court if necessary) prohibit jumping or diving from the river wall as well as any jetty, pier, pontoon, bridge, or boat without permission. The same applies to swimming in the ‘fairway’ (the main river channel where water remains at low tide) because boats navigating the swift river flow can find it very difficult to see and avoid swimmers. Unauthorised access to the river via pontoons and slipways is both trespass and unsafe due to the frequent and unpredictable use of these areas by boats. Swimmers are encouraged to stick to the designated bathing areas on the local beaches where buoyed areas protect them from boats, and they also remain under the watchful eye of RNLI beach lifeguards when they are present during the peak summer season.”

Doug Tapp, Station Officer of the #Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team, said: “We’ll always respond when someone calls 999 and asks for the Coastguard but help us to help you by not making choices which could put yourself, friends, family and frontline emergency service responders at risk. We want people to have fun but stay safe when out enjoying our beautiful beaches and coastlines. As ever, our message is, ‘Keep safe, but, if you see anybody in trouble or if you get into difficulty, call 999, and ask for the Coastguard’. Take extra care at the coast for the remainder of this summer as we don’t want you to remember your days out and trips to the beach for all the wrong reasons.”

In the unfortunate scenario of an #emergency, or accident, call 999 ASAP, and ask for the #coastguard.