THE RNLI and West Somerset Council have both issued warnings this week about the dangers of jumping into the sea from Minehead and Watchet harbours after one such incident almost ended in tragedy. Two swimmers had to receive hospital treatment last Tuesday when they collided after jumping into the sea from Minehead harbour in a practice known as "tombstoning". The two swimmers collided, knocking one unconscious and leaving both requiring medical attention. Similar incidents in neighbouring Devon have already proved fatal, with the most recent case involving a 23-year-old man who jumped from rocks at Babbacombe. In another case, a Dawlish man broke his back after jumping into shallow water. Steve Wills, RNLI beach safety manager said: "Tombstoning is seen as fund by some people but this latest fatal incident proves it is no joke. "Some people have been left so badly injured by jumping from a height into the sea that they will never walk again. "People should also remember that young children look up to them and they might not be strong enough swimmers to get to safety if they jump from a cliff or pier." He added: "There are many other ways to enjoy the coastline so my advice would be not to follow this crazy activity in the first place." West Somerset Council is also appealing to people not to swim in harbours and to stay away from boats. Liveability manager Steve Watts said: "While we appreciate the appeal of the sea in the hot weather, jumping from sea walls can be very dangerous.  "Tidal changes are hard to judge and people can hit the seabed, or 'jumpers' may accidentally land on and injure other swimmers in the water. "We would also ask to people not to swim in harbours, and to stay away from boats.  "We are particularly appealing to parents and carers to talk to children about the dangers of jumping from sea walls or swimming in harbours.  "There are places where people can swim safely and we would ask people to use them and not endanger themselves or others." Harbourmasters at Watchet and Minehead patrol the harbours asking people to stop jumping from walls and have, in the past, called the police to help in case anyone injures themselves. Mr Watts added: "We would ask people to heed the harbour masters' advice because their primary concern in this matter is public safety.  "The summer holidays have only just started and we want everyone to enjoy them, and the sea, safely."