LIFESAVING coast volunteers are urging islanders to stay safe in islander waters, after troublemakers targeted a jetty.

It comes as Canvey’s Coastwatch in Holehaven Creek reported an ongoing problem with jumpers using the jetty, while the team are not on watch.

The group have also reported damage to a flag mast too, and believe the incident could be connected to the jetty jumpers.

A message on the coastwatch’s Facebook page read: “Between noon on Sunday and 7.30am on Monday, the flag post halyard rope and fittings has been either stolen or thrown into the sea.

“It is suspected that the hordes of young jetty jumpers who invade the Port of London Authority Jetty are responsible.

“It’s a great shame and means we are now no longer able to fly the flag.”

Tony Belford, who manages the team, says his main concern is the safety of residents.

He said: “I’ve been on the coastwatch for three years, and I can see what danger that water poses.

“The issue seems to arise when we are not on watch, and if people fall into difficulty, then there’s nobody there to help them.

“There’s a sign in Holehaven Creek that tells people what they need to be doing to stay safe.

“It’s a problem that’s happening across a few of the jetties on the island really.

“I have a son in his 50s and it was happening when he was very young, so it’s been going on for a long time.”

Canvey’s coastwatch is one of 50 stations operational across the country, and are manned by more than 2,000 volunteers.

Chapman Sands Yacht Club, in Eastern Esplanade, Canvey, built a 7ft fence and gate, topped with spikes, to stop youngsters climbing over its jetty and jumping off.

The club was later ordered to cut down the size of the fence, after it was put up without planning permission.

Lifesaving signs warning islanders of the dangers of water have also been installed following a veteran councillor’s campaign.

Ray Howard, Tory councillor for Canvey West, pushed for information boards to be put up at Holehaven Creek by the Port of London Authority due to a string of safety concerns.

Campaigners say the signs also provide practical tips including guidelines on wearing life jackets, using a kill cord to cut a boat’s engine and navigating through the water in a way that is sympathetic to wildlife and other river users.

The sign adds to similar notices by up at Wat Tyler Country Park, in Basildon and Two Tree Island, Leigh.

For more information on Holehaven Creek, visit pla.co.uk/Environment/Holehaven-Creek-SSSI.

For more information on Canvey Coastwatch, visit nci.org.uk/holehaven.