Talk:Tombstoning

Name?
Currently the theory in this article is, from that well known font of knowledge Torbay Council, that:


 * the body, resembling a tombstone, gives the activity its name

Surely it got it's name because a tombstone is the likely outcome from such activity?


 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-36864873
 * http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tombstoning-death-in-notorious-devils-bridge-1154061
 * http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/1531517.Fresh_warning_after____tombstoning____death/
 * https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jul/09/stevenmorris.uknews4
 * http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/tombstoning-youngsters-torquay-prompt-coastguard/story-27573717-detail/story.html

Injuries and deaths
It was reported that "Between June and August [2007] there were nine drowning or near misses as a result of people jumping from height into the water. Five were fatal, and impact injuries such as neck and spinal injuries were common in those who survived."

In the UK between 2004 and 2008 there were 139 incidents of tombstoning where a rescue or emergency response was required. Spinal injuries occured with 20% of these 139 incidents and 12 people died.

It was also reported that in the United Kingdom between 2005 and 2015 there were 83 people injured and 20 people who died whilst tombstoning.

Risks
Impact with water

When entering the water from height there is a greater impact on the body because of the "...greater force and the greater resistance of the water."

It was reported that, "If you jump from 20 feet (6 meters) above the water, you'll hit the water at 25 mph (40 kph) -- the impact is strong enough to compress your spine, break bones or give you a concussion."

It was also reported that "...if you add some horizontal velocity, your impact speed increases. ...from the same height, "[A] diver who gets a running start and develops a significant forward velocity will hit the water with more net speed than a diver who dives straight down without a push off.""

Speeds reached during falling from height

Depth, tides and submerged objects

It has been reported that "the water may be shallower than it seems" and that "...tides can rise and fall very quickly" "...what may have been a deep pool at lunchtime may be a shallow puddle by tea time."

It was also reported that "Objects like rocks, fishing gear, mooring lines and other under water hazards may not be visible"

Cold water shock and Loss of breath

It has been reported that cold water temperatures "...can lead to cold water shock and can make even the most experienced swimmers unable to stay afloat." and also that "...even in recent warm weather the waters around the UK are cold and when the body suddenly enters this environment it can cause an involuntary gasp resulting in water being breathed rather than air."

It has also been reported that when falling into water "...that something as simple as having the wind knocked out of you could result in your death..."

Getting out of the water and strong currents

It has been reported that after a person has jumped from height into water that "It may be impossible to get out of the water." and that "...strong currents can rapidly sweep people away".

Xyxyzyz (talk) 22:56, 17 March 2022 (UTC)

Should this article be merged into cliff jumping?
They appear to cover much the same thing, no?—Ineffablebookkeeper (talk) (&#123;&#123;ping&#125;&#125; me!) 12:14, 24 November 2022 (UTC)