Police warning against youths bridge jumping in Wallingford

Thames Valley Police’s neighbourhood team for Didcot and Wallingford said they have been ‘engaging’ with groups of youngsters who have been repeatedly spotted jumping from Wallingford Bridge.

It comes as numerous open water safety warnings have been issued by police and other officials, after the heatwave in May saw 15 people in the UK die in water-related incidents.

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One of these was Baltazar L’Quy, a 14-year-old boy who died on Wednesday, May 27 after getting into difficulty in River Thames in Oxford.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “While we absolutely understand people want to enjoy the river during the hot weather, jumping from the bridge is extremely dangerous and not something we support.

Police file photo (Image: Getty Images)

“There are several serious risks involved, for example; unknown water depth and submerged objects, strong currents that can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers, risk of serious injury on entry due to height, danger to river users such as boats, paddleboarders, and swimmers nearby, and cold water shock.”

The force said that bridge jumping can fall under anti-social behaviour legislation if it causes alarm or distress, and can result in council enforcement action or fines when bylaws are in place.

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They added: “We will continue to engage, educate, and where necessary take action to keep everyone safe. Please enjoy the river responsibly.”

Warnings have been issued nearly annually about bridge jumping from Wallingford or Shillingford bridges due to the dangers involved.

In 2003, RAF servicemen William Lovelock died at the age of 27when he hit his head after jumping from Shillingford Bridge.