Warning issued after six cliff-jumping accidents this summer
This week a young woman broke her leg jumping from a rock in Cala Tangó.
After treating six people who injured themselves jumping from cliffs and rocks, the Cruz Roja de Xàbia has join the local council to launch an awareness message to prevent more accidents in the final few weeks of summer.
Earlier this week, a young woman became the latest victim of reckless jumping, breaking her leg after jumping from a rock in Cala Tangó, an unauthorised bathing area with no emergency support. After receiving a notification via 112, the Cruz Roja was able to evacuate the woman using their boat before she was transferred to hospital.
A few weeks earlier, a child was injured in the same location when he hit his leg on a rock and suffered dizziness through both pain and fear. Unsupervised by adults, the young group was assisted by adults walking in the area who called for assistance using 112 and the boy was evacuated by sea but didn’t need transferring to hospital.
The message is simple: don’t jump into the sea from unauthorized or dangerous places. A spokesperson for the Cruz Roja said that “it is crucial that everyone understands the risks associated from jumping from cliffs or off-limits areas”, adding that “a single reckless jump can have serious consequences”.
The Cruz Roja has also provided some advice for those who decide to jump from these places:
- Get familiar with the location. Before jumping, make sure that you know the area and the depth of the water into which you will be jumping.
- Check what is under the water. It is essential to check for rocks, sand or other objects that could cause injury.
- Jump with your head, not head first. Never jump head first. A conscious and controlled jump can avoid tragedies.
The authorities emphasize the importance of following this advice to enjoy the sea safely. The Cruz Roja will continue to monitor and assist in the areas, but remember that the best prevention is caution and respect for safety regulations.
