New campaign to protect vital lifesaving equipment
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has joined forces with Lough Neagh Rescue and the PSNI to tackle the growing problem of vandalism and theft of life rings and throw bags across the borough’s waterways.
With summer approaching and more people expected near the water, the organisations are urging the public to help protect this essential lifesaving equipment.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said: “We’re here at Antrim Loughshore to highlight the importance of water safety and the need to protect the life-saving equipment. We’re seeing life rings and throw bags being vandalised, removed or damaged, it’s lifesaving equipment, if it’s not there, it can’t be used in times of emergency.
“Last year, the Council replaced 46 throw bags, 30 throw bag containers and three life buoys, costing £2,400. More importantly, missing equipment puts lives at risk. Protecting this equipment is absolutely vital.”
Antrim and Newtownabbey PSNI Chief Inspector Ciara Mullan said “My message is for anyone who thinks stealing or damaging a life ring is a harmless prank. As we move into the summer months, this equipment becomes even more critical, it is here to save lives. If someone falls into the water, we have only seconds to act. If the equipment isn’t there, that chance is gone.
“Anyone involved in this behaviour, whether a life ring has been damaged or stolen could face charges of criminal damage or theft, with more serious penalties because this involves lifesaving equipment. A lost ring is a lost life. We don’t get a second chance to save that life.”
Lough Neagh Rescue Representative, Simon Doig added, “Life rings are essential on our rivers and loughs. They allow you to help someone in difficulty without putting yourself in danger. Unfortunately, we’re finding life rings missing every week, and throw bags pulled out and left across car parks and walkways. If you see any damaged or displaced equipment, whether on the shore or in the water please contact the Council or Lough Neagh Rescue so we can recover it and put it back where it belongs.”
Anyone who sees someone damaging a life ring, or if you notice missing or displaced equipment, is asked to report it immediately, email [email protected]