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In Marseille, plunges into the Mediterranean from the corniche are attracting more and more young people in search of thrills. Despite a ban on jumps of more than three metres in place since 2006, the practice, amplified by social media, is gaining ground and is prompting the city council to step up prevention and look for ways to regulate it more effectively.
“I started this year. We psych ourselves up, we jump and then we try to move on to another spot,” says Dédé, a Marseille resident.
Alongside the regulars from Marseille, there are now tourists, some of whom come especially to try the experience.
“I saw videos online, it caught my attention. I also have friends from here who jump and told me to come,” explains Romain, a young Swiss man.
Dominik, who has come from Germany, checked out the best spots beforehand: “This is the third place we have tried and lots of people are jumping here too. You feel safer, because if the people who live here do it, it is reassuring.”
Sites under close watch
Behind the spectacular side of the phenomenon, the risks are very real. Every year in Marseille, several people are seriously injured when they dive.
The municipal police monitors the most hazardous spots and has increased patrols to dissuade jumpers.
“We pay particular attention to this area because it is very high. It can be extremely dangerous, especially when landing,” explains Céline Lefléfian, head of Marseille’s municipal police.
Prevention rather than punishment
Faced with the growing popularity of the practice, the city is also banking on awareness-raising. A civic and public order unit allows young offenders to avoid a fine by attending a session devoted to the dangers of cliff diving.
The city is considering going further by creating dedicated areas. Supervised diving platforms could be installed in zones where jumps can be made under safer conditions.
Marseille city hall is also planning to take its message directly onto social media. An awareness campaign run with influencers is due to be launched soon.