A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been taken to hospital after a cliff diving accident in the state's North-West.
The accident happened early yesterday afternoon at Lake Eugenana, a popular swimming hole at Melrose, near Devonport.
The boy was preparing to jump off a cliff and into the water at the south-western end of the lake before changing his mind and attempting to bail out at the last minute, Tasmania Police said.
He was unable to stop himself and instead fell about eight metres, landing in willow trees at the edge of the lake, police said.
His location made for a tricky rescue, with emergency services unable to reach him by foot.
Instead, police and a wilderness paramedic had to abseil down the cliff face to reach the boy.
Other police officers launched a boat and attended from the water.
The boy received treatment at the scene before being placed on a stretcher and taken by boat to shore.
From there he was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital.
Police described his condition as stable.