August 28th 2024.
A 15-year-old boy found himself in a frightening situation when he was "impaled" at the harbour in Pagham, a small village in West Sussex. The teenager suffered two puncture wounds that were described as "nasty" and went all the way down to the bone. It happened at the entrance of Pagham Harbour yesterday afternoon, causing quite a stir.
Thankfully, help was quickly on the way. The boy was treated at the scene by medical professionals who arrived just after 5.30pm. They then carefully moved him onto a stretcher and carried him back to the ambulance. From there, he was taken to the hospital for further treatment, according to the coastguard who shared this update.
As this incident unfolded, the coastguard also felt it was important to remind people of the dangers of an activity called "tombstoning". This involves jumping or diving from a height into the water, often from piers, jetties, cliffs, or bridges. In a Facebook post, they warned that this is a high-risk activity and can have serious consequences, including death or life-changing injuries.
They explained that the changing tides and water depth, as well as submerged items and cold water shock, can all contribute to accidents. The water may also be shallower than it appears, and once someone is in the water, it can be difficult to get out. The coastguard emphasized the importance of being aware of these risks before engaging in such activities.
In fact, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, there were 12 deaths and 127 injuries from tombstoning between 2004 and 2008. Sadly, these included both young and older fathers, as well as at least three teenagers. In 41 of the most serious cases, the majority of those involved were men, and more than half were teenagers. The most commonly reported injuries were to the spine and limbs.
Carlene McAvoy, a Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, spoke to The Agency about the dangers of tombstoning. She stressed that while it may seem exciting and full of adrenaline, it is also extremely dangerous and can have severe consequences. She urged people to understand the risks before taking the leap into the unknown. If someone is still drawn to the thrill, she suggested considering coasteering as a safer alternative that is just as enjoyable.
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