Tombstoning warning as dangerous activity starts early this year

With the warm weather set to return in the coming days, it’s concerning that we have already started to see incidents of people jumping from the quayside at Whitstable Harbour – activity known as ‘tombstoning’.

And in previous summers we have seen it happening from Herne Bay pier and Hampton pier as well.

‘Tombstoning’ is jumping or diving from a height into water, which is commonly considered to be a high-risk activity that can cause serious injury or death.

Water depth can be unpredictable and change with the tides, while other dangers include the shock of cold water and unanticipated currents.

We have strong tides locally that are difficult to swim against, increasing the risk of being swept out to sea, which has left jumpers in difficulty at the harbour and at risk of loss of life.

In Whitstable there have already been lifeboat call outs and recoveries this year, with tour operators working out of the harbour also involved.

We have signs in place strongly urging people not to jump from the quayside and the piers and our Foreshore team monitor the situation where they can alongside their other work along the whole coastline.

In addition, our Coastal Public Space Protection Order restricts this activity, meaning adults who jump into the sea from these locations will find themselves at risk of enforcement action, including a fine of £100, for breaching the PSPO.

But we can only do so much. There must also be an element of personal responsibility and – given it is predominantly younger people involved in this activity – parental responsibility.

We would encourage parents to speak to their children and remind them of the dangers of tombstoning and how to stay safe in the water.

The Royal Life Saving Society has some excellent water safety advice on its website.

We would suggest this is essential reading as the summer season kicks off in earnest.

Chairman of the Whitstable Harbour Board, Cllr Chris Cornell, said: “Tombstoning may look like fun but every year we see youngsters injured and at real risk of drowning near the Dolphin. We’d hate to see something worse happen and need your help to get that message out there.”

Kellie Gray, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Whitstable RNLI, said: “Jumping off walls and piers into the sea carries a real risk of serious injury. There can be hidden obstacles beneath the water and because the tide rises and falls, it can be difficult to assess the water depth.

“In the hot weather we know that beach users want to cool off in the sea but we always recommend that you go to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags where lifeguards can offer assistance if you get into trouble.

“We want everyone to stay safe and enjoy our beautiful beaches, and to be able to return home safely at the end of a great day.”

Published: 9 July 2025