The girl, who is believed to be local, was with her boyfriend and had been tombstoning – an adrenaline-chasing craze where people jump from height into water.

The incident on Saturday happened at around 7pm at the picturesque Thomasson Foss where a 16-year-old boy died following a similar incident around 12 years ago.

The emergency services have been quick to warn other youngsters not to dice with death by taking part in the high-risk activity.

Villagers have also raised concerns with one claiming the spot is being advertised on the internet as a good destination for tombstoners to visit.

Scarborough and Ryedake Mountain Rescue Team, paramedics and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance were called to come to the girl's aid as she had injured her back.

She was placed on a spinal board by paramedics but due to the difficult nature of the location, RAF Leconfield's Sea King helicopter was called to assist at around 8pm.

They carried out a difficult operation at dusk to winch the girl around 200ft to the helicopter which took her to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for treatment.

Andy Crossley, team leader with Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue, whose 14 team members attended the scene, said youngsters are taking a great risk.

He said water depth can be shallower than it seems and submerged objects like rocks are not always visible and can cause serious injury to anyone who jumps onto them.

"A 16-year-old died about 12 years ago there during a similar incident which hit the papers. I helped to carry his body out.

"They are jumping into the unknown," he said. "The higher you jump the harder you hit the water."

Brian Taylor, postmaster of Goathland Post Office added: "We've heard in the past few weeks it's being advertised on the internet for people to come here and come tombstoning.

"I think they are absolutely crazy.

"You don't know what it's like under the water.

"There could quite easily be a death."

A Goathland resident who asked not be named added: "It's the last thing we want in Beck Hole, people coming along to do that.

"Someone has to look into it and stop it."

Coxswain of Whitby Lifeboat Mike Russell said unfortunately with the summer weather and the school holidays, tombstoning incidents are at their peak.

He added: "It's a popular place for tombstoning down there.

"Although it's warm, the temperature of the water is very cold and can make it difficult to swim.

"It can be the shock of going into the water that can cause problems.

"It's the kids from away that don't have that type of protection and are jumping into freezing cold water.

"I would say unless you really, really know where you are jumping, and what's underneath the water, don't do it."