exclusive by Peter Barnett

pbarnett@thekmgroup.co.uk

LEGAL action should be taken to ban children and teenagers from 'tombstoning' - leaping from promenades and harbours into the seas around Thanet's coast.

The call has come from Margate coastguard Pete Overton who said: "This is purely a personal opinion but I believe that bye-laws prohibiting these actions should be introduced around the island."

He said: "Just last week we were talking to a group of young people who were tombstoning off the harbour arm. I was pointing out how dangerous it was and talking to them about currents and hidden dangers and some of them were very cocky and lippy. I told them the tide was going out and one actually said they had better get on with it then and ran past me and leapt off.

"Taking these sort of risks is very dangerous. In the last few years there have been fatalities at Broadstairs and at St Mildred's Bay at Westgate because of tombstoning. I believe that some form of statutory measures should be introduced before someone else is seriously injured or killed."

Mr Overton was talking following a hectic day which saw a series of SOS calls including jet ski with a seized engine off Margate; reports of a diver missing off a fishing boat near the Goodwin sands; three boys swimming caught out by the current far off Foreness Point; and a routine search for an 80 year old Londoner reported missing. The man was later found safe and well.

Mr Overton said: "The seaside is fun for all the family but people take unnecessary and thoughtless risks which can put themselves and their rescuers in danger. Respect the currents, the power and unpredictability of the sea; wear something warm if you are heading off in a dinghy, inflatable or boat; and tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Just be sensible and enjoy our lovely coastline."