SEVERAL teenagers have been pictured jumping head first into shallow water by Brighton Palace Pier.

The shocking pictures come as thousands have flocked to the beach today as temperatures reach 30C.

Tombstoning involves jumping off cliffs, seawalls and rocks into deep water, often during high tides.

A previous warning from the coastguard stated: "We cannot over emphasise how dangerous it can be to, quite literally, jump into the unknown.

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"You can never tell what is hidden from view under the sea’s surface.

"Not only hidden rocks, but also other objects could be floating below the surface or on the seabed.

"Just the impact with the water from enough height can cause."

The Argus:

If any member of the public sees anyone near or in the water, who they believe to be inimmediate danger call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

The Coastguard is also urging parents or guardians to keep track of their children’s activities.

In the UK alone, there have been at least 20 tombstoning fatalities since 2005 - with over 70 people injured by taking part in the stunt.

What is tombstoning?

Tombstoning involves either jumping or diving from a height into water.

The Argus: Thrillseekers hurl themselves from high-up ledges, such as cliffs, piers and other structures into water below – often unaware of how deep the water may be and what lies beneath it.

It's called tombstoning because of the way a person falls and plunges into deep water - similar to a stone.

The leap is easy to misjudge and often leads to serious and fatal injury as jumpers hurl themselves on to submerged rocks and debris below the surface.