SEEMINGLY oblivious to the potential danger, youngsters hurled themselves off a groyne at Brighton beach.

Enjoying one of the hottest days of the year, they took their lives into their hands as they dived into the shallow waters beneath yesterday (Tuesday).

They were quickly warned by lifeguards about the dangers of the so-called tombstoning, which can cause serious injury or death because people do not realise how shallow the water is.

Yesterday a Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman reiterated the warning, calling tombstoning extremely dangerous.

He added: "You should never jump off any structure directly into the sea as you can never be sure how deep the water is below.

"Even if you think you are an expert, your behaviour will encourage others to do so who may know less about conditions, tides and sea depths."

The spokesman also stressed it was never safe to go into the sea after drinking alcohol, and stressed that even on calm days conditions can suddenly change.

Sea temperature can also be deceptive and can cause people’s body temperature to plummet, he added.

Visit brighton-hove.gov.uk/seasafety for more information.