Council officials in Moray have been branded “spoil sports” for trying to enforce a ban on a cherished tradition that has spanned generations.
Children have been racing each other across the harbour at Hopeman on hot summer days for decades.
But the local authority recently erected signs prohibiting “jumping” and “diving” into the water on health and safety grounds.
Within days, the notices went missing as locals vowed to continue the practice.
Last night, offshore engineer David More claimed the ban was over the top and insisted most youngsters were used their “common sense” before leaping into the water.
The 52-year-old, who played in the harbour with his friends as a young boy and has three daughters who have done the same, said: “I thought it was a disgrace when I saw the signs. Generations of people have jumped off the pier at Hopeman – my father did it and so did I.
“The children are obviously aware of the boats and everything else when they’re jumping in. They use their common sense. A lot of parents go down to supervise.
“I just think it is the council being spoil sports. It’s great fun for the children.”
Moray Council stressed they did not want to be “killjoys” but had to consider safety – revealing similar signs will be put up at Buckie, Burghead, Findochty, Cullen and Portknockie.
The hugely-popular fundraising dips at Christmas and New Year will not be affected, a spokesman said, as it is an organised event with safety precautions in place.
He added: “We don’t want to be killjoys and our leisure harbours are there for people’s enjoyment, but safety is our paramount concern and jumping into the water at these harbours can be dangerous.
“Similar signs will be installed at all of our leisure harbours and we sincerely hope that, in the interests of safety, they will be respected.”
Although there have not been any accidents reported at Hopeman harbour, there have been safety concerns raised at Portknockie and Lossiemouth recently. And in 2009, Aberdeen man Stuart MacDonald died after jumping off the 14ft wall at Findochty.
Mr More, who lives in Hopeman, added: “I can understand the safety concerns. There’s all kinds of things that cause accidents though. Children get hurt on bikes – but they don’t get banned.
“Like all things, it’s safe if they use common sense. I think the signs are a bit over the top.”
Heldon and Laich councillor Dennis Slater said concerns had been reported by boat users at the harbour about the dangers of hitting a child in the water.
He said: “It has been going on in Hopeman for generations. I wouldn’t like to see it stopped. It’s wonderful to see the kids out enjoying themselves in the summer.
“They’re never going to be able to stop it. I would rather see signs go up saying that diving is at their own risk, rather than trying to ban it all together.”
