THOSE responsible for damaging life-saving equipment next to Ducklington Lake may not realise it, but their mindless actions could have resulted in tragedy.

Witney’s open spaces ranger Jim Casson found two buoyancy aids had been ripped apart, possible by young people messing around at the lake after a late-night party.

Thankfully the damage was spotted quickly before there was an incident where the absence of basic life-saving equipment could have led to tragedy.

But young people are not the only ones to blame for the vandalism highlighted by Witney Town Council’s report on antisocial behaviour.

Facilities manager Claire Swan says much of the damage appears to have been carried out by adults who should know better.

The money used to pay for repairs and replacement equipment after these incidents could be spent elsewhere.

Mr Casson’s job is only guaranteed until October and it will be interesting to see whether the council retains his services, which have already shed light on the scale of the town’s problem with vandalism, by regular patrols of public areas.

No doubt the main dilemma for councillors will be the long-term cost of employing a ranger, but they should consider the value of a life that could be lost if he was not there to quickly spot the results of others’ stupidity.