Misuse Of Life Belts
Allerdale Borough Council is warning of the
dangers of misusing the life belts.
There have been reports to Workington Police
over recent weeks, following the four life belts at Harrington
Harbour being thrown into the sea by youths.
Councillor Barbara Cannon, Chair of Harrington
Harbour and Dock Board, said: “Life belts and heaving lines have
had to be replaced by Allerdale Borough Council within the last
month alone at a cost of about £120.
“If anyone had the misfortune of falling into
the Harbour and there were no life belts at hand, the consequences
could be dire.
“I would urge parents and teachers to educate
the children in their care about the dangers of not having a life
belt when needed. Children and adults alike also need to be made
aware of the dangers of going onto the pier in stormy
conditions.
“We have experienced some very stormy weather
of late and anyone being too close to the sea in those conditions
are risking their lives. We have erected a sign at the entrance of
the pier warning people of the dangers but it is being
ignored.”
Inspector Mark Wear, from the Neighbourhood
Policing Team in Workington, said: "These acts of antisocial
behaviour are mindless and those responsible are not thinking of
the consequences of their actions. These life belts are emergency
equipment and are needed to help anyone who gets into difficultly.
We are investigating the incidents and ask members of the public to
contact us if they have seen anyone tampering with the life belts
to get in contact with us."