Coastguards urge people to avoid 'tombstoning' after incident

Coastguards have urged people about the dangers of 'tombstoning' after a man was left with "life-changing injuries" after jumping from cliffs near a beach in Swansea.

The casualty was rescued by coastguards and lifeboat volunteers near Langland Bay on Saturday afternoon.

In a tweet, Mumbles Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team said the man, who was rescued at around 1.15pm had jumped from the top without knowing what was under the water and the tide was ebbing.

"He nearly paid the ultimate price but ended up with life changing injuries," it said, adding: "Please don't rock jump."

In a Facebook post, the Mumbles Lifeboat RNLI said the incident was one of two that its volunteer crew was called to on Saturday.

"At 1256 UK Coastguard at Milford Haven requested attendance to a male suffering severe injuries following an accident at a local area of cliff known for tombstoning between Langland and Limeslade," it said, adding that the crew had arrived at 1.15pm."

It said the casualty had suffered "mutiple fractures and injuries" and had been airlifted to hospital in Cardiff.

"The current condition of the casualty is unknown," the post said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family."

Lifeboat Deputy Coxswain James Bolter said: "We really are so grateful to the person with the cliff casualty who immediately called for help. This was a very serious incident. We hope all turns out well for the casualty."

The post added that the Bank Holiday weekend combined with the easing of lockdown had meant a busy Easter for the RNLI and urged anyone going near the water to make sure they check tides, weather and carry a means of calling for help.