Young swimmers are putting their lives at risk by tombstoning off Portishead Pier, prompting a warning from the RNLI.
Groups of youngsters have been spotted tombstoning off the pier into the estuary and diving into the town’s marina.
Tombstoning is where a person jumps in a straight upright vertical posture from a high level.
RNLI bosses are now writing to schools across the town urging parents to warn their children of the dangers they are putting themselves in.
Lifeboat operations manager Dave Slack said: “Tombstoning from Portishead Pier and jumping in the marina are activities which are extremely dangerous.
“The depth of water may hide unknown hazards under the surface which could lead to serious injury and drowning.
“The tide is very strong on our coast, particularly around the pier, and can soon take you in to the very deep and busy shipping channel.
“Swimming in the marina is prohibited, and we are urging parents to discourage your children from doing so.
"The deep sinking mud is another hazard on our coast locally, making it very difficult to free yourself.
“Having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world here in Portishead, the water can rise and fall up to 15 metres every six hours.
“The tide moves in and out very quickly.”
Mr Slack added that with the water still cold those jumping in the water could suffer shock – which could be fatal.
Mr Slack said: “The water temperature this time of year, despite the recent lovely weather, is still only 12 degrees and although the sea and the marina seem very inviting, this can cause people to go in to ‘cold water shock’ and leave people gasping uncontrollably for breath, causing them to drown.
“The RNLI volunteer crews are here to save lives at sea along the coastline of North Somerset, but there are no lifeguards on our coast or in the marina.
“Anyone entering the water for any reason, does so at increased risk.”
Normally at this time of year, RNLI education volunteers visit schools and give safety advice to students.
Mr Slack added: “Unfortunately, because of the current pandemic, they are unable to do this.
“May I therefore take this opportunity to urge you all to inform your young people of the dangers on our coast and at the marina and take extra care when visiting any of the UK’s beaches this year.’
Anyone who sees anyone in trouble near the coast should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
