THE potential dangers of 'tombstoning' were highlighted to a group of young people during a multi-agency event at Milford Marina on Saturday (May 16).

The activity, which involves jumping from height into water, is popular along the coast, including at Milford Docks, but carries serious risks.

As local schoolchildren look forward to the summer holidays, local agencies worked together to deliver a hard hitting campaign to stop this dangerous activity.

The Port of Milford Haven, Milford Youth Matters and Dyfed Powys Police organised the event, assisted by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, St John’s Ambulance and The Real Adventure Company.

A group of 22 young people watched a live exercise which saw the emergency services respond to a casualty who had injured themselves as a result of tombstoning.

They were asked to complete police witness statements while the exercise was taking place, and then took part in workshops examining the incident from the perspective of the different agencies.

They also watched a short film about Sonny Wells a young man who suffered long term injuries as a result of tombstoning.

During the afternoon, the youngsters were also treated to canoeing sessions off Milford beach and received first aid training from St John’s Ambulance volunteers.

Anna Malloy, PR and Communications Manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “There are so many hidden dangers under the water that you just never know whether it’s safe.

"The icy cold temperature of the sea can be a major hazard in itself.

"We’re a busy Port so Milford Docks is never going to be a safe place to jump, even with the right conditions.

"We treated the youngsters to an afternoon of canoeing to show them a safer way to enjoy the water.

"They seemed to really enjoy the day and lots of them said that they hadn’t thought so many things could go wrong.

"I hope they will think twice before jumping into the water this summer.”

Refreshments for the event were kindly donated by Tesco, Milford Haven, and Pete Ward from The Real Adventure Company led the canoeing session.

A second WAVE event is planned for Saturday, May 30, at Hobbs Point in Pembroke Dock.