Water safety devices being upgraded across Test Valley
The Borough Council's seen a spate of vandalism to life rings
Water safety devices in the Test Valley's nature reserves and parks are to be upgraded, after a spate of vandalism, and life rings being misused.
The Borough Council say their offices waste four days a month collecting life rings thrown into the lakes and ponds unnecessarily.
Throw lines are also being added, following advice from Hampshire Fire and Rescue.
Rikki Noble, Test Valley Station Manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue said:
"If someone is in trouble in the water, the best way to help is by staying calm, staying on land, and remembering Call, Tell, Throw: call 999 for the emergency services, tell the struggling person to float on their back, throw them something that floats.
“These new water safety stations will help people by providing vital lifesaving equipment and giving them clear instructions so they understand what to do in an emergency. They will also help us to easily identify the location and reach anyone in need as quickly as possible. It is important that this equipment is available for use when needed and the new stations should help prevent anti-social use and damage to this vital lifesaving equipment.”
Cllr Terese Swain, Portfolio Holder for Community, Leisure and Tourism, said:
“Lakes on Test Valley Borough Council land aren’t for swimming or paddling, but accidents happen, and these safety devices are there for anyone needing urgent, lifesaving help.
“Every time somebody removes a life ring for anything other than helping someone in need, they could be putting a life at risk. While we go through the process of upgrading this equipment across our sites, I would appeal to anyone who thinks of tampering with this equipment to consider that they could inadvertently contribute to someone’s death. And I doubt anyone would want that on their conscience.”