11-year-old breaks leg jumping off Nahant Wharf

NAHANT – The Nahant Town Wharf is a magnet for youth on hot summer days and some can’t resist jumping off the wharf into the cool water despite the ban prohibiting it.Friday afternoon, an 11-year-old Little Nahant Road resident broke his leg when he jumped off the wharf, according to Police Lt. Thomas Hutton, who declined to identify the youth.?He’s lucky it was only a broken leg,” Hutton said. “It could have been much worse. The first responders did an excellent job and the father of the kid was very appreciative of the way it was handled by the fire and police personnel.”Jumping from the town wharf has been prohibited for years but town officials have worked hard to enforce the ban this summer due to the wharf reconstruction project, which is in the final stages.Hutton said the police have received numerous calls about kids and adults jumping off the wharf, which is clearly posted no jumping.?Our officers have been patrolling the area whenever possible and chasing the kids off,” he said. “Jumping from the wharf is prohibited and it will be enforced.”Hutton said he expects public safety and town officials to meet next week to determine what steps could be taken to prevent future incidents.