Vandalism of Lifesaving Water Rescue Equipment Puts Local Lives at Risk

Residents across the Fermanagh and Omagh district are being urged to recognise the potentially devastating consequences of tampering with or removing vital water rescue equipment following ongoing vandalism of throw lines at locations across the Council area. The scale of the problem is particularly concerning at Omagh Riverside Walk and Cycle Path, where approximately £8,500 has been spent replacing vandalised throw lines since March 2025.

The route is one of the district’s most popular recreational areas, used daily by walkers, runners, cyclists, families and water users. More than 248 throw lines have been replaced since their installation, equating to an average of more than 3.5 throw lines every week.

Each time a throw line is removed, vandalised or thrown into the river, a critical piece of emergency equipment is no longer available to help someone in danger. In a real-life emergency, those few seconds spent searching for a missing throw line could prove crucial. The absence of this equipment could leave a member of the public unable to help someone struggling in the water, potentially turning a rescue into a tragedy.

However, the issue is not confined to Omagh. Since Fermanagh and Omagh District Council first installed throw lines across the district in March 2023, approximately 700 units have been replaced at a cost of £24,000. The Council currently maintains 110 throw lines across 28 locations, strategically positioned to provide immediate assistance in the event of a water-related emergency. These devices are installed for one purpose only – to save lives.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle said:

“The level of vandalism we are experiencing on the Omagh Riverside Walk and Cycle Path is extremely concerning. More than 248 throw lines have been replaced in just 16 months, meaning there have been hundreds of occasions when lifesaving equipment may not have been available when needed most.

While this problem exists across the district, the situation in Omagh highlights the scale of the issue. Every damaged or stolen throw line weakens our emergency response network and increases the risk to those using our waterways.

We want people to understand that this is not harmless behaviour. These throw lines are lifesaving devices that could mean the difference between life and death for a friend, family member, neighbour, or even the person removing them.

We are asking everyone in our community to help protect this equipment, report any damage immediately, and play their part in keeping our waterways safe. By looking after these devices, we are helping to protect lives and keep our communities safe.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council continues to work with partner agencies to raise awareness of water safety and the importance of protecting emergency rescue equipment.

Members of the public are encouraged to report vandalism, theft or damage to throw lines immediately. Protecting this equipment helps ensure it is available when someone needs it most. Anyone who witnesses damage or theft of lifesaving equipment, or discovers a damaged or missing throw line, is asked to report it immediately to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council by contacting 0300 303 1777 or emailing info@fermanaghomagh.com