COASTAL living brings with it an abundant lifestyle, in what can become an unpredictable environment with unforeseen and hidden dangers.

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Boat Harbour residents are very aware of the beauty of their environment and the dangers that it can bring.

Rock fishermen and have died on days when the area has appeared to be safe.

No one knows the dangers more than Ray and Marcia Smith who lost their son rock fishing at Boat Harbour twenty one years ago.

They are outraged that the life ring has been stolen from the headland.

Marcia Smith told News Of the Area, “Our two sons were rock fishing on a calm day and a rogue wave swept some of their gear off the rocks, Dean dove in to retrieve the gear and lost his life.”

Just six days later another of her sons was rescued after being swept off the rocks, he was in the water for around fifty minutes before he was rescued.

While the Smith’s applaud the move to make wearing life jackets compulsory for rock fishermen they know that the life rings are the last line of defence.

Peter Murray and his wife Gail spoke to News Of The Area and are hopeful that someone will fund a replacement life ring for the site.

Ultimately they would like to see another installed on the next stretch of coastline at Kingsley Beach.

As recently as 2017 local Stephen Spillane rescued a young girl who was swimming adjacent to where the life ring has been stolen.

Ironically, Stephen also had to rescue the young girls family members who went out to assist her as well.

This is the third time that the life ring has been stolen.

In the past the rings were funded by a national fishing club but this avenue has now closed and the local residents are keen to see a club, local business or individual to step forward to replace the stolen life ring.

By Marian SAMPSON