Vandals have been slammed for putting lives at risk after destroying recently installed water safety equipment at Wagga Beach.
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The attack is believed to have occurred late on Monday night or early on Tuesday morning, with the perpetrators significantly damaging one of the new lifebuoys.
The vandals used an angel ring and throw rope to fashion two makeshift swings draped over tree branches and stretching out over the water.
The Murrumbidgee River's water level at Wagga Beach is currently abnormally high following recent heavy rains, with benches and barbecues submerged.
Wagga City Council general manager Peter Thompson said vandalism to such vital equipment was a poor reflection on those responsible.
"It is a senseless act which has been reported to NSW Police for investigation," he said.
"This is life saving equipment which has been put there to assist in the event of an emergency and now this act has put the whole community at risk.
"Council worked alongside the community to identify the need for this water safety equipment to be installed at the beach and the last thing you would expect is for some people within our community to go out of their way to vandalise it.
"If there was an incident where the equipment was needed then this irresponsible act could have dire consequences.
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"I'm sure they have not thought about the consequences of their actions."
Three lifebuoys and a defibrillator were installed at the beach precinct in November. The defibrillator was not damaged.
The safety equipment was introduced following an aquatic safety assessment of Wagga Beach by the Royal Life Saving NSW.
The bid to improve safety at Wagga Beach came after several drownings at the notoriously dangerous swimming spot.
"The broader community should be concerned with what has happened and I urge them to help us all call-out this unacceptable behaviour," Mr Thompson said.
Royal Life Saving NSW Riverina regional manager Michael Dasey said he was disappointed after learning of the damage to the equipment. "It's something you hope would never happen," he said. "Now it has happened, we would urge anyone with information to report it to the police.
"Council and Royal Life Saving are doing their bit to meet community expectations. We have installed this equipment in line with what the community want, and to see people within our very community do this damage is disappointing to say the least."
Council said the damaged equipment will be repaired and replaced imminently.
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