Northern Ireland

Public warned not to copy professionals cliff diving in Co Antrim

Warning follows reports of people diving from cliffs near Dunluce Castle in County Antrim

Aidan Heslop dives from the 28 metre platform during the final competition day of the seventh stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at Polignano a Mare, Italy.
Aidan Heslop dives from the 28-metre platform during the final competition day (Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool/PA) (Romina Amato)
By Catherine McGinty

The public has been warned not to copy professional cliff divers after reports of people diving from cliffs near Dunluce Castle in Co Antrim.

The warning was issued by the PSNI ahead of Saturday’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at Ballycastle.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We remind you in the strongest possible terms that anyone attempting to copy the highly trained professionals taking part in the competition is risking their life to do so.

“Do not put either yourself, or those who may have to attempt to rescue you, in danger.”

Big crowds are expected at the event which is taking place in the north for the first time.

The opening rounds of the competition will see dives launched directly off the cliffs.

The competitors will then wrap up the final two rounds by diving from the purpose-built platforms constructed in Ballycastle Harbour - at a height of 27m for male divers and 21m for female competitors.

Numerous safety measures are in place during the event, including safety divers in the water and standby boats stationed nearby during dives.

Cliff divers are judged on criteria similar to Olympic standards with technique, synchronisation of rotations and twists, clean lines and water entry all being scored.

Speaking to The Irish News, Alliance Causeway Coast and Glens Borough councillor, Lee Kane said it was important to remember the professional divers were athletes who had “trained for years to do the types of dives we’re seeing this weekend”.

Cllr Kane added: “And we need to remember that, while the north Antrim coastline is stunningly beautiful, it can be treacherous.

“The team from the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series are out monitoring the waters at the sites, making sure the conditions are right for the dives to take place. They are professionals, and safety is the priority.

“I would urge everyone to enjoy watching the divers, elite athletes who have come from all around the world to take part.

“But if anyone does fancy having a go, please only do so under the safe supervision of one of the many local coasteering companies that know what they’re doing, and only at a site they have judged to be safe.”