Called ‘boat jumping’, the videos show people jumping or flipping off the back of speed boats as they race along the water.
Due to the potential risk to participants, Alabama authorities have warned thrillseekers to avoid recreating the social media trend.
According to WBMA, first responders reportedly noticed the trend picking up over the last two years on TikTok – with numerous deaths since being linked.
Captain Jim Dennis of the Childersburg Rescue Squad explained this to the local news outlet, saying: “That is a very big concern because we have seen this pattern emerge over the last two years and it’s sporadic, but it’s something that needs to go away and stay away.”
He continued, saying: “[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.”
Tragically, one reported victim was a father who had dived into the Coosa River as his wife and kids watched on.
“Unfortunately, she recorded his death,” claimed the rescue worker.
Now, Captain Dennis is advising others to avoid the social media trend completely after another three people’s deaths have been linked to the trend.
In another interview with ABC 7, the first responder spoke about how the trend has been done by all ages on TikTok, with it also popping up on other social media platforms such as Instagram.
“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,” he told the local news station.
He also reiterated how the high speed of the boat and still water can be a life-threatening combination.
If unable to land properly while protecting their neck and head, a person can become permanently paralysed or even lose their life.
Should this happen, the captain advised people to call the emergency services immediately and give their location as accurately as possible.
If possible, casualties should also be brought to shore safety and then not moved.
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Tik Tok is todays follow the stupidity of anyone who thinks this is real cool.
Thank you Tik Tok for coming up with stupid dangerous pranks that are cleaning up our genetic pool from stupid people. The world is a better place devoid of show-off, braggers and people that toot their own horns.