It might look like a bit of summer fun, but this behaviour could quite easily end in tragedy.
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Resource-stretched authorities have warned skylarkers to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions at Illawarra swimming spots.
The plea comes after young swimmers were spotted jumping into the water from a tall navigational structure in Shellharbour at the weekend.
The structure carries safety warning signs which say "no climbing" and "no jumping".
Ambulance NSW Illawarra duty operations manager Inspector Norm Rees said the message from emergency services remained the same.
"We say it each time, you know, they've just got to be aware of what they do ... skylarking around and that, can lead to injury," Insp Rees said.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra duty officer Lachlan Pritchard said fun could be had in a sensible manner.
"Whether it's jumping from heights or just jumping off the rocks into the ocean, you've obviously got to be careful," Mr Pritchard said.
"It's important you check the depth of the water and you know what you're jumping in.
"If you can't see the bottom or are unsure what's going on, don't jump in there."
Other problems faced by surf lifesavers included people swimming into rips, and entering the water in street clothing that could restrict their ability to swim.
Mr Pritchard said rock fishing also presented its challenges, with a reluctance to wear lifejackets, a lack of knowledge about surf conditions and failure to check the weather among concerns.
"That's a bit of a bugger for us at the moment because obviously rock fishing is quite a high percentage of our drownings," he said.