Young people in Milford Haven are being warned about the hazards of jumping into the town’s docks in an activity known as ‘tombstoning’, which is on the increase due to the hot weather.

The team at Milford Marina and Dock are concerned that many people are not aware of the dangers of tombstoning in an area busy with both commercial and leisure traffic.

A number of serious incidents have been reported in the national press over the past few weeks as a result of tombstoning which can even be fatal. There can be items such as sharp pieces of timber hidden beneath the water, danger from vessels entering or exiting the locks and strong currents which could pull people into the sluices.

The Port of Milford Haven has teamed up with the town’s neighbourhood policing team and local youth centres to distribute a DVD conveying the dangers of tombstoning.

The DVD has been gifted to the Port by the Port of Dover, who have spearheaded a national campaign through a local Community Safety Partnership. It features a hard hitting film including the story of Sonny Wells, a young man from Waterlooville, Hampshire, who was paralysed jumping from a jetty in Southsea in 2008.

Health, Security and Safety Officer Richie Morgan said: “Milford Dock is a busy working environment with thousands of vessel movements every year. We encourage everyone to enjoy the sights of Milford Marina and the bustling fishing industry from the shore-side, but there are real dangers when entering the water at this location, which we take very seriously”.

Tombstoning is very different from the popular activity of Coasteering which can be organised through a number of water sport activity providers across Pembrokeshire.

The Port of Milford Haven actively encourages the use of the Waterway for recreation but strongly recommends using an activity provider where events are organised by qualified, experienced instructors in specific locations which have been identified as being safe to enjoy.

If you see anyone entering the water at Milford Dock please contact Dock Operations on 01646 696300, or if someone appears to be acting in a manner which may cause them or oncoming vessels harm, please call Dyfed Powys Police on 101 or 999.

Several posters are located around Milford Dock and can be requested from the Port of Milford Haven as an educational resource by emailing communications@mhpa.co.uk or 01646 696100. To view the film please visit www.mhpa.co.uk/tombstoning