Police and partners come together to demonstrate vital difference made by water rescue equipment subject to vandalism in Omagh area

Police and partners are reminding the public of the serious and potentially fatal consequences of interfering with critical life-saving water rescue equipment in the Fermanagh and Omagh area, and particularly the throw lines on Omagh’s Riverside Walk, in light of recent vandalism.

Since the introduction of the throw lines in March 2022, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has replaced around 500 units in total across the District at a cost of approximately £15,000. Eighty five throw lines have been replaced across 16 locations on the Omagh Riverside Walk alone between March and August 2025.

In order to demonstrate the unthinkable consequences of someone getting into difficulty in the water and the throw lines not being available, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team enlisted the help of the North West Mountain Rescue Team, who also carry out lake and river rescues, to stage two water rescue scenarios in the Strule River on Friday 5 September. One enactment demonstrated how an effective rescue can be carried out by any member of the public with the throw lines, and how difficult and precarious a situation can become if the throwlines are not available through damage or theft.

Local Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Johnny Hamill, who spearheaded the rescue enactments, said: “The throw lines are strategically placed at various locations along the riverbank and it is vital that they are left alone and are available when needed. They could be the difference between life and death for someone who falls into the water or who gets into difficulty in the water.

The enactments in the river involved the local Mountain Rescue volunteers in their safety kit so no one was placed in harm’s way, however the throw lines are designed and made available for use by any member of the public who needs them in an emergency.

As the water rescue enactments clearly illustrated, this equipment has a very clear purpose and that’s to help save lives. The throw lines are not toys or something to be played or messed about with. Aside from the obvious criminal offences arising from damaging or stealing the lines, for a person in need of rescue from the water to not have access to life-saving equipment, does not bear thinking about. There is a real possibility that a life could be lost in that scenario.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council installs and maintains throw lines on lands and property adjacent to watercourses, and managed by the Council. Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Shirley Hawkes, said: “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring public safety across our recreational spaces, and the installation and maintenance of throw lines is a key part of that responsibility.

It is deeply concerning that these life-saving devices continue to be targeted by vandalism, particularly along the Omagh Riverside Walk.

The Council welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with the PSNI and other agencies to raise awareness of this issue and highlight the vital role these lifelines play in emergency situations. I extend my thanks to all involved in promoting this important message.”

Gareth McKelvey, from the North West Mountain Rescue Team said: “We are delighted to support our partner agencies in promoting water safety. All of our members are volunteers and are on call 24/7.”

Tim Doran, Water Safety Partner for the RNLI, is also backing the message that the water safety equipment is a crucial life-saving resource: “Every throw line or ring buoy placed along a river’s edge is there for one reason – to save lives. When someone removes or vandalises this vital equipment, they’re not just committing a crime – they’re potentially stealing a life. We urge everyone to respect lifesaving gear and remember the RNLI’s key safety advice: if you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live – tilt your head back, relax, and use your arms and legs to stay afloat until help arrives.”

Local paddlesports club the Erne Paddlers has also voiced support for police efforts to reduce vandalism and theft, with general manager Harry Harrington saying: “Our club routinely uses local waterways as part of our recreation activity and we frequently see that the throw lines are damaged, floating in the water or completely missing.

For those of us using the local rivers and bodies of water we would urge everyone to recognize the critical importance of these resources and to ensure they remain readily available for those of us who may urgently need them.”

Sergeant Hamill added: “We are encouraging the public to respect and safeguard this vital life-saving equipment. Interference, vandalism, or removal seriously jeopardises the safety of others and we urge everyone to recognise the critical importance of these resources and to ensure they remain readily available for those who may urgently need them.

I would ask that if you see damage or theft happening, or if you come across a line that has been damaged, please report it immediately on 101. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport ”