Please don't.

That was the message from Maidstone council to the vandals who think it’s funny to take throw-lines and lifebuoys from their stands beside the river to play around with.

Particularly during our unseasonably warm summer, more and more people have been taking to the River Medway and nearby lakes to soak up the sun.

But recent deaths across the UK as a result of accidents in the water have shown the growing need for water safety equipment.

The borough council said all too often the life-saving gear it provides has been found vandalised or thrown into the water indiscriminately.

Each year the council spends £5,400 buying 60 life-rings and 100 throw lifelines which are placed in key spots to make sure apparatus is on-hand, at the right time, should someone get in to difficulty in the water.

Cllr Derek Mortimer, chairman of the communities and housing and environment said: “This type of anti-social behaviour is not just selfish, it is downright dangerous.

"It really could be the difference between someone being rescued or losing their life.

“We need people to behave responsibly around water and part of that is not damaging the equipment that is there to play an important role when someone needs it most.

“Some of the equipment can be used again if it is picked up at Allington Lock, however, the throw-lines are single use so can’t be used again.

“We need people to understand the equipment is not a thing to play with or there to have fun with if they get bored.

“If their mum, dad or mate got into trouble in the water, they would want a passer-by to be able to help them wouldn’t they?”

Last year, the council had to replace 50 life rings, 50 throw ropes and 50 encapsulated lifelines.

Anyone observing vandalism or misuse of live-saving tools is asked to report it at once to police on 101.

If they come across missing or damaged equipment, please notify the council by email to parksandopenspaces@maidstone.gov.uk