DVD made in Somerset warns of dangers of cliff-jumping

One of the reasons people are said to jump from cliffs is to impress girls

Young people in west Somerset have made a DVD to warn about the dangers of jumping off cliffs and harbour walls.

In the 12-minute film, called "Don't leap into the unknown", harbour jumpers talk about their experiences and the accidents they have witnessed.

One harbour jumper said people leap for the "adrenalin rush, to impress friends and to look cool in front of girls".

Another said: "It is extremely dangerous. You don't know what is in the water."

He added: "There could be bits of driftwood….if you hit one of those you could break a bone or knock yourself out."

'Not a game'

HM Coastguard said since 2005 there had been 10 deaths attributed to harbour jumping or tombstoning in the UK and at least 38 serious injuries.

In 2008, a 16-year-old drowned after entering the water at Minehead Harbour at night.

Pete Hughes, West Somerset District Council's community safety officer, organised the project.

He said: "It became apparent to all of us that nothing can completely stop it, but the youngsters felt that something positive could be done to lessen the dangers by making people aware of the risks they are taking.

"By talking openly and honestly about the hazards in a way that young people will understand, they have made a really constructive DVD which may help others think twice.

"They show it is not a game and people are harmed and can, and do, die as a result of harbour-jumping."