Recently, we have seen a number of incidents of children ‘tombstoning’ (jumping or diving from a height into water) off the west pier into both the beach side and into the harbour entrance ‘canyon’.
This is extremely dangerous, and children have been cautioned in the past by the Harbour Master but continue to put themselves at risk.
The dredger ‘Shearwater’ is currently operating in Eyemouth harbour. Dredging is complex and dangerous work which involves removing silt and sand by mechanical digger. This can dislodge items such as nets and fishing lines from the seabed creating additional hazards. It also leads to a change in the level of the seabed and water depths. As a precaution, barriers and signs have been erected restricting access to the pier.
The following Guidance from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency highlights risks of tombstoning:
- Water depth alters with the tide, the water may be shallower than it seems
- Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible; they can cause serious injury if you jump onto them
- The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim
- Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away
Further advice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-safe-at-the-coast-tombstoning
We would request your assistance in sharing this information and adhering to safety signs that are put in place around the harbour.
By request of the Eyemouth Harbour Trust
Published 19/07/21