At least four people have died in recent months as a result of a deadly new TikTok trend, which has tragically led to some victims dying instantly or drowning. It comes amid a worrying growth of fatal videos that have seen teens in the UK lose their lives.
The new trend, dubbed 'boat jumping' has been responsible for a string of deaths in the US, according to authorities in Alabama. Videos show participants jumping off speeding boats, only for them die on impact or drown due to their injuries, says Captain Jim Dennis of the Childersburg Rescue Squad.
He explained: "[In the] last six months we have had four drownings that were easily avoidable. They were doing a TikTok challenge. It's where you get in a boat going at a high rate of speed, you jump off the side of the boat, don't dive, you're jumping off feet first and you just kinda lean into the water."
Dennis added that boat jumping has been an issue for the last two years. This year, a victim died in February after plunging into the Coosa River while his wife and their children watched from inside the boat.
While these incidents were in the US, the UK is no stranger to deadly TikTok trends. The 'blackout challenge', which involves starving yourself of oxygen, has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 20 children according to an Independent in December, 2022 - some of which were in Britain.
Despite the recent boating incidents and warnings not to participate in the trend, three almost identical incidents happened within a few months - each resulting in deaths. A TikTok hashtag '#bpatjumping' now has more than 15million views and counting, with the trend showing no signs of slowing.
Speaking to a local news outlet, Dennis added: "I think people, if they're being filmed on camera, I think they're more likely to do something stupid because they want to show off in front of their friends for social media."
The boat's high speed combined with still water makes the impact similar to that of landing on concrete. Participants in the 'challenge' can lead to die or sustain serious injuries, with broken backs and spines resulting in becoming paralysed.
Dennis is urging those on boats this summer to avoid the deadly trend and urge their loved ones not to participate. "Do not do it. It's not worth your life," he warned.
