Life-saving throwline boards at three Newcastle parks have been targeted by vandals over the past nine months, with the latest incident occurring earlier this week. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has warned that if the equipment is damaged, missing or unusable during an emergency, the consequences could be "devastating".
Affected locations and damage
The affected locations are Havannah Three Hills Nature Reserve, Hodgkin Park and Jesmond Vale. In one case, the box containing the throw bag was completely ripped from the board. Repairing the damage at Havannah Three Hills Nature Reserve alone will cost hundreds of pounds.
Partnership and safety warning
Throwlines are installed to help rescue people in difficulty in the water and can play a vital role in preventing drowning. The boards are provided through a partnership between Newcastle City Council and the fire brigade to help keep communities safe.
In a statement, TWFRS said: "We are disappointed to report that, over the past nine months, lifesaving throwline boards at three Newcastle parks have been targeted by mindless acts of vandalism, the latest of which occurred earlier this week." The service has warned that deliberately damaging the equipment puts lives at risk.
