Schoolboy Oliver Brown was nursing a broken leg in hospital today after jumping from a harbour pier into the sea and finding the water only a metre deep.

Coastguards and the Sussex Ambulance Service who took him to hospital said the 14-year-old was lucky.

A coastguard spokesman said: "It may look a lot of fun, especially in this hot weather, but it can lead to serious injury."

Oliver, of Horsham Avenue, Peacehaven, jumped 40ft from the east pier of Newhaven harbour.

Speaking from his bed at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, he said: "My friend jumped first, but he is shorter than me and landed OK.

"I didn't realise the water was so shallow. I tucked myself up, but my legs hit the ground. I knew straight away that my leg was broken. I could see bumps on my leg where the bone was broken and my foot was twisted round the wrong way."

Oliver, who attends Tideway School in Newhaven, was helped by friends to shore where coastguards and paramedics took over.

He said he will not be jumping from piers in future, but he doubts whether diving will ever be stopped.

Oliver's mother, Kim, said she had warned her son of the dangers.

She said: "I've told him for years to be sensible, but what can you do?

"I was calmer than I thought I'd be when I heard the news. I suppose I've spent my life waiting for this to happen.

"He's really a good lad and I just hope this means he'll never do it again. I hope this will also act as a warning to other youngsters."

Youngsters diving from piers in Hastings and Brighton over the years have suffered serious and even fatal accidents.

The coastguard spokesman said: "Our advice is simple - don't do it."