Lifebelts trashed after tragedy

Wayne Adams died after swimming off St Bees

Vandals have been condemned for wrecking lifesaving equipment close to where a 10-year-old Cumbrian boy died in a swimming tragedy.

Wayne Adams died after trying to save his 11-year-old brother Jason, when they got into trouble in the sea off St Bees near Whitehaven on 8 August.

Campaigners want lifeguards to patrol the popular tourist spot.

But it has emerged that almost 70 lifebelts have been stolen or vandalised in the area since January.

A memorial for Wayne was held at the weekend.

His parents have backed a call for lifeguards to be introduced in an effort to prevent a similar tragedy.

But harbour officials in Whitehaven have revealed that 68 lifebelts at harbours, marinas and beaches have been stolen or made unusable by vandals so far this year.

"We thought we might have seen an improvement after the tragic events at St Bees, but absolutely not. Whitehaven harbourmaster, Neil Foskett

At Maryport harbour, only three of 25 life preservers bought in March remain intact.

Pauline Gourlay, business manager at Maryport Developments, which operates the harbour, said: "Every time we look, the life rings have gone.

"It is a real problem for anyone who may find themselves in difficulty."

Whitehaven harbourmaster Neil Foskett said several lifebelts had been stolen from the area since the death of Wayne Adams.

He added: "There have been cases of life rings being torn from the walls and smashed to bits and even cases where some have been set on fire.

"More than half of them have been vandalised since the start of the school holidays.

Restock equipment

"These people do not realise the consequences of what they are doing."

Mr Foskett admitted that lives could be lost as a result of the vandalism.

He said: "In the event of an emergency, you need to know where equipment like this is.

"We thought we might have seen an improvement after the tragic events at St Bees, but absolutely not.

"We were fully stocked last Wednesday, and on Monday we found that five had been vandalised.

"We are losing about one piece of emergency equipment every day."

But Mr Foskett said the harbour authority would not give in to vandals and pledged to continue to restock emergency equipment where required.

Copeland Borough Council, which is responsible for the St Bees area, said it will now be reviewing safety on all of its beaches.