YOUNG 'harbour jumpers' in Watchet have helped make a film warning about the dangers of the potentially dangerous practice - sometimes known as tombstoning.

Youngsters who have leaped into the sea from cliffs and harbour walls talk about their experiences and the accidents they have witnessed in a DVD called Don't Leap Into The Unknown.

A total of 250 copies of the 12-minute film have been made and are being offered to local organisations and groups which could benefit from learning about the realities of harbour jumping and the danger it presents.

One young person, who has been jumping for 13 years, is featured explaining that it is done for the adrenaline rush it brings, to impress friends or to "look cool" in front of girls.

He also cites peer pressure and warns newcomers to the area not to jump as they do not know the dangers of local waters.

Another, with seven years of harbour jumping under his belt, describes it as "extremely dangerous".

West Somerset Council's lead member for community Cllr Dave Westcott, who is also a Watchet town councillor, said it was good that local young people had spoken out to offer others the benefit of their experience.

"Organisations have urged youngsters not to harbour jump, or tombstone, for years but we all know the advice often falls on deaf ears," said Cllr Westcott.

In the film, emergency services personnel give their perspective on the issue, while skippers of local boats also talk frankly about the potential dangers of jumping or swimming in busy harbours.

Steve Yeandle, of Watchet-based Scooby Doo Too, recalls searching without success some years ago for a lad who had jumped from the outside of the harbour wall at Watchet.

His body was recovered from the water some time later.

The district council's community safety officer Pete Hughes brought the youngsters together with services including the RNLI, Royal Yachting Association, coastguard, fire and rescue services, police, youth services and local councils.

"It became apparent to all of us that nothing can completely stop it," he said.

"But the youngsters felt that something positive could be done to lessen the dangers by making people aware of the risks they are taking.

"By talking openly and honestly about the hazards in a way that young people will understand, they have made a really constructive DVD which may help others think twice.

"They show it is not a game and people are harmed and can, and do, die as a result of harbour jumping."

In the past five years there have been ten deaths attributed to harbour jumping or tombstoning in the UK and at least 38 serious injuries.

The young film-makers are hoping that organisations, especially those in coastal areas, will screen the DVD, which will be available in return for a small donation to a charity involved in sea safety.

Copies are available from the customer services team at the district council on 01643 703704.