Water Safety Ireland has strongly condemned the recent act of vandalism involving the deliberate removal of multiple ring buoys from their designated yellow housings in Galway.
“I am shocked and appalled that people tampered with these ring buoys,” said Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney. “It is not a harmless prank—it is dangerous and irresponsible and puts lives at immediate risk. These devices are there to help save people from drowning. If they are missing when someone needs help, the consequences could be fatal.”
He was joined at the Spanish Arch by Deputy Mayor of Galway Councillor Neil McNelis and Mike Swan of the Galway Lifeboat RNLI, who echoed the call for greater respect and vigilance around life-saving equipment.
“These ring buoys are not ornaments, they are not toys — they are lifelines,” said Sweeney. “Ring buoys give people in distress a fighting chance at survival. When someone removes or destroys one, they are directly endangering lives. I cannot comprehend the mindset of someone who would take such a risk with another person’s life.”
The recovered ring buoys represent a worrying trend. Across Ireland, incidents of ring buoy theft and vandalism continue to threaten public safety. Every missing ring buoy represents a moment when someone in need may not get the help they desperately require.
“A stolen ring buoy could mean a stolen life,” Sweeney added. “In an emergency, every second counts. When someone reaches for a ring buoy and it is not there because of a senseless act, the consequences could be tragic. It is the kind of impulsive, thrill-seeking behaviour that lacks consideration for the consequences.”
“We need to elevate this conversation within our communities, as this is not harmless mischief. It is a civic and moral failure that undermines public safety. Parents, schools and universities can help instil a sense of shared responsibility in young people. This is not just about protecting equipment — it is about protecting people. We all share the responsibility to ensure these lifesaving tools remain in place, ready to save lives.”
Water Safety Ireland urges members of the public to report missing or vandalised ring buoys to their local authority or online at www.ringbuoys.ie
