Redcar Coastguards Called To 'Neknomination' Prank

6 February 2014, 06:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Coastguards were called out to reports of a teenager threatening to jump in the rough sea at Saltburn after playing the "neknomination'' drinking game.

The RNLI Lifeboat based in Redcar was alerted by Cleveland Police, but the teenager was later found to be at home.

After going to the pier, Redcar Coastguard Rescue Team found the male had posted his intention to jump from it on social media after taking part in the online game.

Neknominate is a social media craze thought to have originated in Australia where young people are "nominated'' to down strong drinks and carry out dares. Participants often share their exploits online after filming them on mobile phones.

Earlier this week the death of a teenager from Carlow in the Irish Republic was linked to the game.

Jonny Byrne, 19, drowned after he jumped in a river while taking part in a stunt.

And yesterday, police said they were looking into a stunt that was posted on Facebook where a girl rode a horse into a Tesco store in County Durham. 

Inky Ralph is seen in the video riding through the automatic doors of Tesco in Bishop Auckland, before downing a soft drink.

Humber Coastguard watch manager Bev Allen said:
"The craze of neknominate is spreading virally through Facebook but before accepting your mission please just stop and think about what you are doing.

If you have been drinking, your judgement will be impaired and you will be more likely to be overcome by the cold, dark sea. Your acceptance of the dare is highly likely to be life threatening.

Alcohol is a contributory factor in a significant number of coastal drownings every year. Alcohol and sea water really don't mix.''