Calls have been made for reckless individuals to stop targeting life-saving equipment at a Renfrewshire beauty spot.
In recent weeks, the safety buoys along the River Gryffe have been removed from their location and have been found in the water further downstream, potentially leading to disastrous consequences.
The buoys are there to help anybody who might be struggling in the water, without their presence, saving lives becomes harder and riskier.
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The life belts, which were donated by the Glasgow Humane Society, were installed after a campaign led by local residents following the tragic death of 13-year-old Linwood High student William McNally.
William died on June 5 last year after getting into trouble in the water at the Clay Pits in Linwood, part of the River Gryffe, while swimming with friends.
The tragedy led to seven GPS signs that can be used to confirm the exact location of an incident quickly to the emergency services being placed at potentially dangerous areas along the river as part of a drive to improve the safety of waterways in the area.
Additionally, equipment such as a life buoy and throw lines can be found at certain spots.
Local resident and member of the BoW Angling Club John Blair has expressed concern about the treatment of this safety equipment. He said: “This is totally unacceptable behaviour when we have already had tragedies on the river.
“Last week I replaced one of the lifebelts after finding it further downstream but there is currently a lifebelt missing from a spot in Bridge of Weir, hopefully it will be picked up downstream, but this can’t go on.
“The lifebelts need to be kept in place in case of an emergency and they are in these exact spots for a reason.
“They shouldn’t be tampered with either, people are messing with the ropes and some of the ropes on them in their current state, would need to be untangled before use which would be of no use in an emergency.
“People need to respect the reasons that these are in place and look after them.”
Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don is keen to stress the importance of the lifesaving equipment.
She said: “These life belts have been installed after a hard-fought campaign by local people and it is disappointing that people aren’t taking this seriously. This equipment could be a matter of life or death so they absolutely have to be left intact and where they are supposed to be.
“The buoys have been installed at key locations on the river, places where people are known to get in the water. With the good weather, more people have been hanging around these areas but if you are, please respect why these buoys have been installed in the first place, to prevent any further tragedies in our waters.
“The water can be dangerous for anyone. Underwater currents, temperature and depth can all cause difficulties, even if you think you are a strong swimmer. So please, leave this safety equipment where it should be.”
In June, William's family called on young people to stay safe to avoid tragedy.
His aunts, Jayne and Claire Drennan, bravely filmed a safety video - in partnership with Renfrewshire Council - in a bid to stop other families suffering as theirs has.
“There’s a hole been blown through us that will never, ever, be able to be fixed”, says Jayne. His mum Sharron added: “William was, and still is, very much loved and adored.”
You can watch Jayne and Claire’s touching video here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K-yltRessVY
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