Police warning as dangerous social media trend emerges in Portsmouth
Police warn it only takes one mistake to end in tragedy
Police are warning young people that taking part in a recent trend could have “devastating consequences”.
Reports have emerged of youths swimming across The Camber to the Wightlink side of the harbour where they climb onto the Wightlink property and use it as a diving platform. Having met with Wightlink and Portsmouth City Council, the police have issued a warning that anyone found trespassing will be dealt with “robustly” as they look to prevent the dangerous activity.
A Portsmouth police spokesperson said: “This is not a harmless game or social media challenge – it is an incredibly poor decision that could have devastating consequences. That stretch of water is affected by strong currents, rip tides and the movement of large ferries.
“One misjudged jump, one moment of fatigue, or being caught by the current could very easily result in serious injury or worse. Look, many of the young people may believe they are stronger swimmers than they are, or that "it won't happen to me", but the sea will not care how confident you think you are.
“It only takes one mistake for a fun day out to become a tragedy.”
The police are asking parents and carers to speak with their children about the risk involved.
The also shared a direct message to young people stating: “Fun doesn't have to involve attempting to swim across to the Wightlink area. It is dangerous, irresponsible, and simply not worth risking your life for.”