A TEENAGER appearing to revel in Dorset’s recent wild weather was snapped getting dangerously close to crashing waves.

The youth was spotted at Chesil Beach, near Portland, on Monday by keen photographer Ken Deadman. 

Mr Deadman, from Portland, was taking photographs of the weather while “making the most of a brief dry spell” during a day of heavy rain and thunderstorms when he spotted the youth, who seemed to be having fun dodging huge waves. 

He said: “I was there taking pictures of the weather, because I like photography, and saw this young lad dodging the waves. He was about 14 or 15. He was going across the bank right up to the sea as the waves were coming in. He was scrambling around. He did slip once, coming over the bank, and was staggering around.

Mr Deadman said there were adults present while the boy was getting close to the waves.

“There were lots of other children watching him do it as well,” said Mr Deadman. “It was terrible. Everybody knows you don’t get close to big waves like that; it’s dangerous. It’s risking your life taking a chance like that. He did get soaking wet when he fell but it could have been much worse.”

Chesil is a deeply shelving beach with a strong undertow and visitors are regularly warned of the dangers of going in the sea in this area.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “We always urge people to have fun but stay safe when out enjoying our beautiful beaches and coastlines. Jumping in front of waves can be very dangerous. The depth of the water can dramatically change with the tide, and you don’t know what hazards may be lurking under the surface until you are hurt or worse. 

“The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim to safety and strong currents can quickly sweep people away. 

“As ever, our message is keep safe and if you see anybody in trouble, or if you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’”