Someone’s life could be put at risk if people continue to damage life-saving water safety equipment along the local riverside walks in the Strabane and Newtownstewart areas.
This is the warning from police, Community Rescue Service and Derry City and Strabane District Council after a number of incidents in the area in the last two months. During this time there have been five reported incidents of damage to equipment, including throw lines, in particular along a stretch of the riverside walk in Newtownstewart. Regards one of the most recent reports in the area, on Tuesday 8 April, two Community Resolution Notices were issued in relation to this. The equipment was recovered and was able to be returned to its location.
Derg Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Griffith said: "The throw lines, which are strategically placed at various locations along the riverbank, are there for a reason. A throw line could be the difference between life and death for someone, who may be in difficulty in the water. This equipment has a very clear purpose, and that's to help save lives. It's not a toy, something to be played with. For a person to fall into the water and not have access to life-saving equipment does not bear thinking about.
“If you see this happening, or if you know of someone in involved in this reckless and senseless activity, we would ask that you report it immediately on 101 or a report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport”
Community Rescue Service District Commander, Ivan Barr said: “This wanton and daily destruction of vital life-saving equipment defies logic. A few seconds of skulduggery could lead to a lifetime of misery.
“We urge people, no matter their age, to leave well enough alone. The next person needing this life-saving equipment could be you, or one of your family! We would appeal to the local community to help us make our waterways safe by reporting any missing or damaged safety equipment to the local unit of the Community Rescue Service."
Karen McFarland, Director of Health and Communities with Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “We are encouraging the public to respect and safeguard vital life-saving equipment located along our waterways and coastal areas. These resources, including lifebuoys, throw lines, and signage, are strategically placed to aid individuals in distress and can be the crucial difference between life and death in an emergency.
"Interference, vandalism, or removal of this equipment in addition to costing money to replace, it also carries potentially devastating consequences, jeopardising the safety of others. We urge everyone to recognize the critical importance of these resources and to ensure they remain readily available for those who may urgently need them.”