Moment 'idiot' diver jumps into fierce waves during Storm Isha
Shocking footage has captured the moment a man randomly jumped off an iconic tower into crashing waves during Storm Isha.
The thrillseeker decided to dive from Salthill's Blackrock Tower in Galway, Ireland, on the weekend as fierce winds struck parts of the country. In the clip, the man seemed to lift his arms and hands before running up to the edge of the platform and then leapt into the harsh waves.
The incident is said to have taken place before the entire county was issued a danger to life red warning on Sunday. Luckily, he could be seen swimming to safety and popped his head up from the water moments before the camera turned to a cluster of rocks.
Shocked bystanders filmed the "idiot" as he carried out the bizarre stunt. In response, one person on Twitter said: "What idiots like this clearly don’t care about is when they get in trouble it will be RNLI volunteers who will respond, voluntarily putting themselves in danger to keep others safe, reckless and stupid."
Another person wrote: "If this individual gets into bother, they will put the lives of the emergency services at risk. Very silly behaviour!". The stunt comes after members of the public were told "not to put lives at risk by taking stupid selfies" or videos at popular landmarks, piers and cliffs, reports Daily Mail.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gustsRNLI warned: "For those who plan to visit the coast this weekend, the strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and we are urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers."
RNLI National Water Safety Education Partner Sam Johnson stressed that Brits could be hit with "cold water shock". He said: "Cold water shock is a very real danger for anyone entering water that is 15C or below and at this time of year, we can expect temperatures of 6 to 10C."
The Met Office has issued a wider update and revealed that "Storm Isha will gradually pull away from the UK." However, Brits have been told to still expect winds and scattered showers as yellow weather warnings have been put in place for Tuesday evening for most of the UK.
The weather service posted on Twitter: "There will be plenty of blustery showers to start on Monday, these heaviest in the north and west. Remaining windy for all, although easing a little in the south later. Some sunny spells in the southeast, but still feeling chilly with northwesterly winds."
Follow all the latest on Storm Isha here
Below is the five day forecast
Monday
Storm Isha will gradually pull away from the UK, though it will remain windy for all, with a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers. The showers will be heaviest and most frequent in the north and west. Feeling chilly.
Tuesday
A bright start, particularly in the east. Cloud and rain quickly moving in from the west. Winds increasing, with gales or severe gales possible. Mild for the time of year.
Tips to stop windscreen freezing and prevent blades from sticking to windowWednesday to Friday
A mixture of sunshine and blustery showers on Wednesday. Staying windy on Thursday, with some patchy rain moving northeastwards. Drier in the south on Friday, showers continue in the north.