The Port of Milford Haven will be enforcing its bye-laws in order to stop crowds of people from risking their lives at Milford Marina.
Tombstoning is an extremely dangerous activity in which participants jump into the water from height. At the marina this is particularly risky as it is a busy shipping area, with commercial and leisure traffic entering and leaving the lock on a regular basis. As well as the obvious dangers such as cold water shock, currents and drowning, there can be many hidden sharp objects underneath the surface.
During the recent hot weather there have been up to one-hundred individuals at a time gathering around the water’s edge watching people jump in. Cases have also been reported where individuals have jumped in front of and on top of moving vessels, causing distress to the owners. When challenged by port staff and neighbourhood police officers, many have displayed threatening behaviour.
Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don, said “Unfortunately the situation has reached a stage where we are having to take legal action to prevent people from risking their lives around the marina and docks. We are seriously concerned about the safety of these people. We will not tolerate this activity on our property and neither will we tolerate threatening behaviour or abusive language, in person or online, directed towards our staff - who are only acting to keep people safe. Tombstoning has killed twenty people in the last eight years, so the risks are very real.”
Any person committing the following offences under the Milford Docks Company Act 1981 which will be pursued through the civil courts:
Section 33 – No person shall use the Docks for the purpose of bathing.
Section 34 – No person shall commit or cause any nuisance within the Docks. Any person offending shall be liable for a £50.00 fine and removed from the Dock.
Security personnel will also be present at the site at regular intervals.
Police Sergeant Terri Harrison, added “Police are aware of this issue and will work with the Port of Milford Haven to educate young people about the dangers and try to get the message over of the possible tragic consequences of this practice.
“Officers will be patrolling the area and will provide advice and warning to people they see putting their safety at risk. Action will be taken if any offences are identified. If appropriate we will also be utilising Section 35, dispersal order, which means that police have the power to move people on if they believe the public is likely to be alarmed or distressed by their presence. School Community Police Officers have also given an input at the local school. We want people to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but in a safe and responsible manner.”
The Port holds annual awareness events about tombstoning for young people in the area. This year, it has teamed up with Cardiff Harbour Authority and Arts & Business Cymru and commissioned Theatr na nÓg to put on an arts performance in Milford Haven School to Years 6 and 7 on 3rd, 4th and 5th July about the consequences of tombstoning. Two public performances will also be held at Milford Marina on Saturday 8th July at 11am and 1.30pm and we would encourage parents to attend with their children. As well as a hard-hitting message about the dangers of tombstoning, children will be given useful water-safety information so that they may enjoy the Milford Haven Waterway in a safe way.
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