Police and coastguards today warned youngsters they were dicing with death by swimming in the sea around Canvey.
The move comes after a seven strong gang of teenagers was spotted jumping off the Occidental jetty into the water near Hole Haven.
There are strong tidal currents in the area as well as mud, which can trap waders and swimmers.
A spokesperson for Thames Coastguard said: "This is a problem that rears its head most summers and I know it is one that causes a lot of trouble for the police as well as problems for us.
"Obviously, jumping off the jetty is a lot of fun in the warm weather but it can also be very dangerous and we wanted to warn these youngsters of the dangers.
"On this occasion we gave safety advice, rather than first aid, but young people indulging in this activity won't always be so lucky."
Coastguards fear young children on day trips to the beach with their parents could get caught out by sudden pockets of deep water and tidal currents.
Published Tuesday August 3, 2004
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