Tombstoning could kill you - North Yorkshire Police warning after man hurt at Beckhole, near Goathland

But North Yorkshire Police stress the risks of serious injury, illness and even death are very real – not least when this activity is mixed with drinking alcohol.

At around 3pm on Thursday (25 June), emergency services were alerted to Thomason Foss near Goathland after a 22-year-old man from Yarm suffered serious injuries when he jumped into the water.

He was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

North Yorkshire Police is working with the North York Moors National Park Authority to warn against the dangers at this location following recent incidents.

Over in the Scarborough, Filey and Whitby areas, there is an emerging issue of young people jumping into the sea from harbour walls and piers – often referred to as “tombstoning”.

A multi-agency approach to tackle this problem has been established, with Scarborough Borough Council’s Beach Superintendents tasked with monitoring and engaging with those who appear to be taking part in this highly dangerous activity.

Police officers and Coastguards will be on hand to intervene and take action if required.

Chief Inspector Rachel Wood, Operations Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, said: “Tombstoning is an extremely dangerous thing to do and has cost people their lives in the past.

“Sadly, such tragedies will happen again in the future if people – often having been drinking alcohol - continue to take such unnecessary risks at our coastal and countryside areas.

“Our partnership approach to this issue is designed to keep people safe from harm and to do everything we can to prevent serious and even fatal incidents occurring.

“For this to be successful we need the co-operation of the public to be sensible in the first place, and for people to report any concerning behaviour to the police as soon as possible.”

Concerned residents or businesses should report incidents to North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

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