ACTION is being taken to stop teenagers risking their lives by leaping off a Hampshire road bridge and plunging 30ft into the River Test.

Coastguards and firefighters have joined forces to highlight the dangers of jumping off Redbridge Causeway, scene of a dramatic rescue last year involving a 14-year-old boy.

A special education pack will be handed out at schools just before the summer holidays in a bid to encourage teenagers to stay safe.

Anyone who ignores the warnings and leaps off the bridge will be challenged by police or community safety officers, who will take the youngster's name and alert his or her parents.

It follows a campaign by Totton county councillor David Harrison, who raised the issue at a town council meeting last July.

Ironically, the discussion

coincided with the rescue of a

14-year-old boy who was spotted clinging to a pipe under the causeway.

Cllr Harrison's words were almost drowned out by the sound of a search and rescue helicopter hovering over the bridge.

The problem of teenagers jumping off the causeway was also debated by New Forest District Council last October, but the authority decided to take no action.

Now Cllr Harrison has approached Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

He said: "A package of measures has been announced, all of which should contribute towards making Redbridge a safer place in the summer months.

"An education package called Think B4 You Jump will be presented to schools in Southampton and the New Forest in June and July.

"Community safety officers and police will be tasked with keeping an eye on activities in Redbridge.

"Youngsters seen jumping will be challenged and, where appropriate, their names will be taken and their parents notified.

"I'm very happy that these measures are being taken forward.

"Every year scores of children can be seen near busy roads in Redbridge. Some risk life and limb by jumping into the river below.

"Many people have expressed fears about the dangers, but local authorities have been unwilling to tackle the problem."

A coastguard spokesman said: "We expect children to enjoy themselves but would urge them to be sensible near water and never jump off bridges. It's extremely dangerous because it is very difficult to judge the depth of water."

Nine years ago a 16-year-old boy was scarred for life after jumping off the bridge and injuring his face.