Boy survives 220ft plunge

A CALIFORNIA high school pupil visiting the Golden Gate Bridge on a field trip climbed over a railing, jumped - possibly on a dare by classmates - and somehow survived the 220ft plunge into San Francisco Bay that kills dozens of people each year.

Most jumpers die with massive internal injuries, broken bones and skull fractures. Some die from internal bleeding, while others drown. Last year, 32 people died after jumping.

But the 17-year-old lived, and his school said he suffered no severe injuries beyond bruising.

He was rescued by a surfer who paddled over and took him ashore, police said.