Cops Crack Down at Cliffs

San Diego Police Have Recently Issued 18 Misdemeanor Citations and 300 Warnings at Sunset Cliffs 

By Omari Fleming / 7SanDiego / August 4, 2026

A cascade of cliff-jumpers continues to catapult themselves off Sunset Cliffs, a week and a half after two high-profile rescues. One case involved a 17-year-old who jumped and crashed on the cliffs. The other involved a man who fell trying to climb the cliffs.

Law enforcement has made it abundantly clear — cliff jumping is illegal.

San Diego police and lifeguards said they have increased patrols in light of the recent issues.

NBC San Diego crews witnessed lifeguards in boats using bullhorns to try and get jumpers off the cliffs on Tuesday, Aug. 4. A crew was also stationed in one of their trucks, parked off the cliffs, trying to dissuade illegal activity.

San Diego police said they handed out over 300 warnings and 18 misdemeanor citations to would-be jumpers. But people who take the plunge say that won’t do the trick.

“It’s adrenaline,” said Michael Nava who was in San Diego from Oak Hills in San Bernardino County to make the leap. “It’s like a rollercoaster. If you like them, you want to do it over and over again. It’s like dopamine!”

City law states it is illegal to jump or dive into the ocean or into Mission Bay from anything more than 5 feet above the water.

But jumpers said the teen who injured himself jumping, made the leap from the wrong place.

“I feel like that was too far of a gap,” said Seth Marcil.

“You’ve got to understand what you’re jumping off of, what your exit place is and kind of what you’re doing,” said jumper Luke Bailey.

A violation of the misdemeanor ordinance is punishable with a fine of up to $500 or jail time.

Also reporter Wiley Jawhary at Fox5 pressed the point, that “While cliff jumping at Sunset Cliffs has been happening for years, officials say social media is bringing renewed attention to the activity and encouraging more people to take part.” His report then veered into the psychology behind the jumping.

Dr. Kim Van Dusen, a therapist and author, said there are several reasons teenagers may be more likely to engage in risky behavior.

“The prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed until around age 25,” she said. “Teenagers rely more on the emotional part of the brain, which can lead to increased risk-taking, impulsive decision-making and less consideration of long-term consequences.”

Experts also point to the role social media can play in reinforcing dangerous behavior.

“If a teen is jumping off a cliff and they’re getting attention for it, whether it’s positive or negative, they’re getting views, they’re getting likes, and every notification gives them a dopamine rush,” Van Dusen said. “That cycle can become addictive.” …

Some of the teenagers FOX 5 spoke with said they view cliff jumping as therapeutic or a way to relieve stress.