RNLI Penarth took part in a training exercise with HM Coastguard Penarth Rescue Team to deal with the rise in people jumping from Penarth Pier.  

The training exercise on July 26 was arranged after a multi-agency meeting to ensure that emergency services can respond to a seriously injured person who has fallen or jumped from the pier. 

Jumping from a height into water, known as 'tombstoning', poses a serious risk of injury from underwater objects and hitting shallow water.  

Organisations involved in the discussion of the issue included South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue, Vale of Glamorgan Council, HM Coastguard and the RNLI.  

The training exercise simulated the management of a casualty in the water with spinal injuries, with RNLI Penarth volunteers and HM Coastguard Penarth Rescue Team working together to safely retrieve the casualty from the water and give medical assistance.  

Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager at RNLI Penarth, said: "Recently we have seen a massive growth in people jumping from Penarth Pier. While jumping into water from a height can seem like a fun activity, submerged items and unpredictable water depth can lead to serious injury.  

"We have seen people injured in the past, so it is important to be aware of how dangerous this activity is. If you see somebody who appears to be in difficulty, remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."