ON THE night when three boys were lucky to escape death in a dramatic sea rescue mindless vandals were wrecking life-saving equipment in Lytham.

The Fylde's beach patrol officer, Paul McWilliams, says he fears that there could be tragic consequences if the vandalism continues.

The vandals slashed ropes on a lifebelt at the windmill in Lytham last Sunday while, just a few miles away, lifeboat crews were hunting for two 13-year-olds who were clinging to a buoy after attempting to wade across the river at Southport. A third boy raised the alarm after swimming ashore only yards from where the lifebelt was.

"Luckily I found this equipment before it was needed," said Mr McWilliams: "but the mindless antics of these idiots could potentially have ruined someone's chances of survival in an emergency and if this recklessness continues, sooner or later, something terrible is bound to happen."

Defacing or vandalising life-saving equipment carries a £5,000 fine and a possible prison sentence -- a penalty which is clearly displayed on all equipment.

But Mr McWilliams added: "It's quite clear that we're not dealing with right-thinking people here, and I have no idea what they were trying to achieve. But the police have been informed and are dealing with it.

Fylde Borough Council is already dealing with several incidents of vandalism at St Annes paddling and boating pools.

Cllr Alf Jealous, chair of the leisure and recreation policy committee, said: "Those responsible for any sort of vandalism should think carefully about the consequences of their actions for themselves and for anybody else who may be affected."

Anyone with information on vandalism is asked to contact St Annes police on 01253 604697.