Siblings Demand Action After Drowning Prevention Buoys Discarded

The tragic drowning of 31-year-old Damian McNutt in the River Nene, Peterborough, last year has intensified the call for better safety measures after family members reported that life-saving buoys installed to prevent similar incidents have been repeatedly discarded into the water. Damian’s siblings, Conor and Farrah McNutt, expressed their devastation as they witness the very equipment meant to save lives being treated with disregard.

On May 24, 2024, Damian drowned while swimming in the river. In the aftermath, his 12-year-old daughter, Ellie Mae McNutt, led a campaign that successfully raised £1,500 for two life buoys and a bleed control kit to be installed near Henry Penn Walk. This initiative aimed to ensure that no other family experiences the heartbreak of losing a loved one to drowning.

Unfortunately, the buoys have been thrown into the river on two separate occasions, according to Conor. The first incident occurred on the weekend of July 5, when he noticed both buoys floating in the water during his commute. He retrieved one buoy from the shallow end but was unable to reach the second, which remained in deeper waters until it drifted closer to the bank.

The second instance took place around August 8 or 9, 2024. Conor reported that upon passing the area at approximately 16:00 on August 9, he found one buoy missing, leaving only one available for safety. “It makes me angry. It is sick,” Conor stated, indicating that he suspects intoxicated individuals might be responsible due to the timing of the incidents.

Farrah, who is deeply concerned about the community’s response, shared her disappointment about the disrespect shown towards life-saving equipment. “Why would you play with life-saving equipment?” she questioned, highlighting the dangers faced by individuals who venture into the river. She emphasized that if the buoys are not available when someone is in distress, it could lead to tragic outcomes similar to what happened to Damian.

Ellie Mae, now living in Leicester with her aunt, expressed her confusion and sadness over the buoy incidents. “Why are people doing that?” she asked, reflecting the feelings of many in the community. Farrah urged those responsible to reconsider their actions, reminding them that one day, they or someone they care about might need that very equipment for safety.

As the family continues to advocate for the preservation of the life buoys, they hope that increased awareness will discourage such reckless behavior and ultimately save lives. The McNutt family stands firm in their belief that the community should prioritize safety and support initiatives that prevent further tragedies on the River Nene.