‘Thrill-seekers are unaware of the dangers’ of jumping from Devil’s Bridge into the River Lune.

That’s the view of Paul Cassell, chairman of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council, who is campaigning for as much publicity as possible on the issue.

It comes following the news that Cumbria Police received reports of people jumping from the bridge due to the onset of warmer weather in August.  

Police reminded members of the public that it is a criminal offence to jump from the bridge.

There is a byelaw in place which can be imposed if people are seen to undertake the dangerous act.

READ MORE: Police say they will prosecute people jumping from Devil's Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale

A Cumbria Police spokesman added: “We would urge people to be very cautious about entering bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs.

“Jumping in can be extremely dangerous, not only because of uncertainty about the depth of the water but also because of the possible impact of cold water shock.

“Those considering swimming in bodies of water are also urged to be extremely cautious as there may be no way of knowing what lies beneath the surface which could potentially entangle legs and lead to tragedy.”

In April 2022, a 22-year-old woman had to learn to walk again after bursting her spine.

Libby Sinden tombstoned 50 ft from the bridge into the river and described the impact as like ‘hitting a brick wall’.

She has since urged people not to jump as it could ‘change their entire life’.

READ MORE: Thrill seeker 'burst' spine after tombstoning off 50ft bridge

Mr Cassell said: “The council have been informative regarding the dangers of jumping from Devil's Bridge and support as much publicity as possible. 

“The more publicity the better, thrill-seekers are unaware of the dangers. 

“Whilst there are warning signs at the bridge those few thrill-seekers still see it as a challenge therefore the more we can do to stop them the better.”

Darren Teal, 22, from Urmston, tragically lost his life in 2012 after jumping from Devil’s Bridge.

He disappeared under the water and was found a short distance downstream by rescue crews.

 READ MORE: Darrell Teal inquest: Coroner's 'think twice' plea to people who jump from Kirkby Lonsdale's Devil's Bridge

Ian Mitchell, Liberal Democrats Cllr for Kirkby Lonsdale, said: “There is a finite amount of resource; the police, fire and ambulance services have, people getting injured as a result of this illegal activity, take resource away from emergencies.

"I would also urge individuals to think again before doing this as there are several instances of injuries and deaths.”