THRILL SEEKERS jumping off groynes into the sea have been warned they could kill themselves.

Thousands flocked to Brighton beach yesterday for sunbathing and swimming as revellers enjoyed the hottest UK day in recent times.

But an alert has now been issued after reckless beach-goers were pictured leaping head first into shallow waters from the groynes.

Seafront manager Chris Ingall said: “When it gets warm in June, July and August, tombstoning off the groynes and pier happens regularly.

“It can vary from young teenagers to people in their twenties and thirties who have had a few beers.

“This is extremely dangerous when it goes wrong.

“The biggest concern is hitting the shingle which can cause damage to every level of the spinal column.

“Don’t do it. It looks exciting but it’s extremely dangerous.

“You are risking serious injury, paralysis and death.”

Tombstoning is the act of jumping into the sea from a high point.

It is particularly dangerous as water depth can be unpredictable and alter with the tides.

The water may be shallower than the jumpers think and there are often hidden objects on the seabed.

Yesterday, dozens were pictured launching themselves off groynes, performing front flips, and back flips in front of seaside crowds.

Mr Ingall, who leads a team of lifeguards and beach patrollers, said: “We’re having to remind people how dangerous this is in an attempt to prevent it and educate people.

“At the same time, we’re monitoring everyone else on the beach.

“It is taking our resources away from important issues we have to attend to.

“It is affecting others because at points we’re focused on the groyne jumpers.”

There have been at least 20 tombstoning-related deaths in the UK since 2005.

The Coastguard Agency said it was “a high-risk, unregulated activity, undertaken by unsupervised individuals”.

In June, a naked man ran riot on Brighton Palace Pier before diving into the water.

And in July another man was branded an “absolute clown” after a friend filmed him jumping off the Palace Pier.

In a warning to all beach-goers, Mr Ingall said: “Swim between the flags and on lifeguarded beaches.

“Don’t swim out too far, and don’t drink, take drugs and swim. It is common sense.”

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