The mayor of Kincardine says vandals are putting people's lives at risk by tampering with Kincardine's new life saving equipment at the piers and Station Beach.
Vandals have stolen life rings, and tossed water rescue poles into the water.
Mayor Ken Craig is unhappy to hear about the damage.
"We regret any vandalism that has occurred, because it puts other people at risk," he stressed. "It's not what we condone or appreciate, but it is, unfortunately, a reality, and we will make sure that the equipment stays as functional as possible, as much as possible."
In the Spring, council approved a $92,000 beach safety plan, and Mayor Craig says many of those safety measures have now been implemented.
"An expanded no swimming zone south of the south pier. There were enhanced safety features put on the piers, such as more and better ladders with which swimmer might be able to access the water better signage," explained Craig. "There were lifebuoys. There were warning lines painted on piers, and there's a public awareness component in there."
The move was in response to six fatal drownings at Station Beach since 2008.
However, Craig does not see lifeguards working at Station Beach anytime soon. He said the recommendations council approved from their beach safety committee did not include a lifeguard program. He added they have started a beach patrol program.
"There have been volunteers requested to become part of a beach patrol," he pointed out. "People that are ambassadors, so to speak, that would make sure that during their time down the beach, and they're not there full time, they are volunteers that are offering their time to make kind recommendations to any swimmers. You know, this is kind of a dangerous area so you would be further ahead to watch where you're swimming."
Craig stressed that residents and visitors should keep safety in mind when swimming
"We always encourage everyone to come to Kincardine, and we always offer as many and as much education as we can to make sure that their time here is safe and fun," he continued. "Water is a force of nature that is fun to play in, but we have no idea of the enormous power that is in those waves. So we just always encourage people to swim safely."