‘My son might have been saved from River Clyde but more will die if lifebelts are vandalised’

Heartbroken Family Urges Vandals to Stop Damaging Lifebelts After Tragic River Clyde Incident

A tragic incident in Glasgow involving a young man falling into the River Clyde has prompted his grieving family to speak out against the vandalism of life-saving equipment along the riverbanks. Christopher Spiers, aged 28, lost his life after slipping and falling into the river following a night out in January 2016. Despite efforts to throw a lifebelt to him, it was not equipped with a rope for a second rescue attempt, leading to his untimely death.

Christopher’s parents, Duncan and Margaret Spiers, have since advocated for the installation of lifebelts with attached ropes to aid in rescue operations. However, approximately 800 lifebelts and ropes are damaged or stolen annually due to vandalism, creating a serious safety concern along the River Clyde. Duncan Spiers expressed his frustration over the recurring vandalism, emphasising the need for safety measures along the riverbanks to prevent further tragedies.

The Spiers family’s campaign for improved safety measures has gained traction, with the addition of yellow, orange, and purple ropes to city centre lifebelts in 2021. These enhancements aim to make the life-saving equipment more accessible during emergencies and increase their effectiveness in saving lives. The Glasgow Humane Society (GHS), a longstanding lifesaving charity, has also launched the ‘Don’t let the Clyde ruin Christmas’ campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of the river, especially during the festive season.

Duncan Evans, Chairman of GHS, highlighted the risks posed by entering the cold waters of the Clyde, particularly after consuming alcohol, and urged the public to be cautious. He warned that tampering with or removing riverside lifebelts could have fatal consequences for individuals in distress, as these essential rescue tools may become unusable when damaged or stolen.

The ongoing efforts of the Spiers family and organisations like GHS underscore the critical importance of preserving and maintaining life-saving infrastructure along the River Clyde. By raising awareness about the risks associated with the river and advocating for improved safety measures, they hope to prevent future tragedies and protect the community from avoidable losses.

As the campaign for river safety continues, stakeholders and the public are encouraged to support initiatives that aim to safeguard lives and promote responsible behaviour near waterways. By working together to address vandalism and enhance safety protocols, communities can create a safer environment for all residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Glasgow’s riverside areas.

In conclusion, the story of Christopher Spiers serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of vandalism on public safety and the urgent need for collective action to protect vulnerable individuals in water-related emergencies. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we can honour Christopher’s memory by ensuring that no family has to endure a similar loss due to preventable acts of vandalism.