A WARNING has been issued to people taking part in a potentially fatal activity in Dunbar.

Dunbar Coastguard Rescue Team made an appeal for residents to stay safe and not jump from dangerous heights into coastal waters.

Tombstoning, which takes its name from the posture of the body as it jumps, which resembles a tombstone, has led to the death of dozens of people in the UK, while many more have been seriously injured.

A spokesman for Dunbar Coastguard told the Courier that beaches had been busy during recent weekends, with many people enjoying them responsibly.

Unfortunately, there were also some instances of tombstoning at the town’s coast.

The spokesman said: “We always urge people to have fun but stay safe when out enjoying our beautiful beaches and coastlines.

“Jumping from piers, cliffs, rocks or other structures into the sea can be very dangerous.

“The depth of the water can dramatically change with the tide, and what was a deep pool at lunchtime might be a shallow puddle by teatime.

“You don’t know what hazards may be lurking under the surface until you are hurt or worse.

“The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim to safety and strong currents can quickly sweep people away.

“If you do want to jump from height into the sea we would advise people join a coasteering group with a professional and reputable adventure centre. In the past few years, there have been dozens of deaths and serious injuries caused by tombstoning.”