Jumping From Lighthouse Tower Prompts Call To Police

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Detachment was contacted by a concerned citizen after they observed several males engaging in dangerous behaviour at a Harbour Street, Port Dover, Norfolk County, Ontario address.

On Thursday, June 9, 2016 at approximately 6:14 p.m., six (6) males were observed climbing the light house located on the Port Dover Pier and then jumping from the light house tower into the water.

The OPP want to remind everyone about the dangers of jumping into the water from any height. The obvious risk of jumping into water is that you’ll hit an underwater object or the water bed, leading to a serious injury. People who jump from heights can’t see what they are jumping into.

When you attempt to jump from a structure across the concrete to the water, there is that potential for an injury or a fatality to occur, especially jumping into an area that is known for low water levels. Everyone needs to be extremely aware that water levels can change. If some jumpers do have experience with a particular area and are able to memorize which areas are deepest, there’s still a chance they can miscalculate their jump and seriously injury themselves or cause death.

You can jump a dozen times without hurting yourself however it will only take that one time when you happen to get knocked unconscious by landing at an odd angle. If the impact with the water knocks you unconscious, you won’t be able to swim back to the surface. If rescuers can’t find you in time, you will drown.

The Port Dover Harbour Authority has erected signs discouraging this behaviour due to the numerous complaints of people jumping into the water and swimming across the channel which has a high volume of vessel traffic.

The OPP discourages this behaviour and has previously seen as escalation in this type of activity. Once you add height and distance to an already risky behaviour you increase your chances of injury or death.

The public are being asked to contact police immediately to report this activity. The OPP’s main focus is public safety and security and wants to prevent injuries or a fatality from happening.

The OPP will vigorously enforce the Trespass to Property Act and will deal with people found to be engaging in this activity accordingly.

“We want Norfolk County residents and tourists to enjoy our beautiful beaches, trails and waterways in a safe and responsible manner to ensure their safety and the safety of others”, comments Staff Sergeant John Fashing, Norfolk County OPP Detachment Operations Manager.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1 – 888 – 310 – 1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1 – 800 – 222 – 8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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