Coastguards dealt with their 11th incident in as many days when they were called out to the Sea Life Centre after a report of youths diving into the sea from the wall.

The spot behind the Sea Life Centre is a popular haunt for "tombstoners" – where people risk their lives by jumping into the water from a height.

Staff at the centre say they see people jumping there most days.

Coastguards fear the craze could lead to someone dying or being crippled.

Mark Appleby, station officer for Scarborough Coastguard, said: "We cannot emphasise enough that tombstoning is a highly dangerous activity and gives the potential of someone losing their life.

"The public should be aware that the depths of the sea cannot be safely judged in these situations and there is a possibility of rocks having moved with the tide below the surface."

A Sea Life Centre spokesperson said: "Young people are often seen jumping there. They have to understand that tides come in and out quickly and are very rough. They can be very strong as well so it can be dangerous."

Mike Green, watch manager for Humber Coastguard, added: "Children are on their summer holidays now and are looking for things to do to keep them entertained. This is very popular at this time of year.

"We have had a large amount of reports of tombstoning in recent weeks and are worried that accidents might happen."

He added: "The problem is that, if children misjudge the tide and jump into shallow water, they could seriously injure themselves.

"It is very dangerous. When we are called out we talk to the young people about the possible dangers of jumping and some of the accidents that have happened in other parts of the country.

"These children are not troublemakers, they are just looking for some excitement but the consequences could be tragic."

Lifeguards came up with the name "tombstoning" because they believe it is an easy way to earn an early grave.

Incidents have rocketed in recent years and recent deaths include a father-of-six who leapt 30ft into the sea at low tide in Devon and a man who jumped off an Essex pier into the North Sea. In May a 20-year-old man from Cornwall was left permanently disabled after jumping into the sea. He suffered spinal injuries and had no feeling in his legs after he landed.

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