Brevard County officials have issued a warning about tampered lifesaving rings found along beaches from Cocoa Beach to Titusville. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office said the devices, which are meant to help swimmers in distress, have been deliberately removed or damaged in recent weeks. 'These rings are critical for saving lives,' said Sheriff Wayne Ivey in a statement. 'Tampering with them puts everyone at risk.'
The sheriff's office confirmed that at least 12 rings have been reported missing or damaged since March 15. Most incidents occurred near the Cocoa Beach Pier and along the northern end of the Indian River. Lifeguards have noticed an increase in reports from beachgoers who found the rings broken or stolen. 'It's not just a safety issue—it's a legal one,' said Deputy Mark Reynolds. 'Tampering with these devices is a felony under Florida law.'
The rings, which are bright orange and about 18 inches in diameter, are part of a statewide program managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They are placed in designated areas where rip currents are common. Officials said the devices have saved over 50 lives in Florida since 2015. 'People don't realize how important these are,' said FWC spokesperson Emily Carter. 'They're not just for show—they're lifesaving equipment.'
The sheriff's office is asking residents to report any missing or damaged rings to 911 or the non-emergency line at 321-633-1234. Signs have been posted at beaches warning of the tampering issue, and lifeguards are conducting extra patrols. 'We're seeing this as a pattern,' Ivey said. 'If you see something, say something.'
The Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department has also begun replacing damaged rings with new ones. Officials said they plan to install additional devices in high-traffic areas by mid-April. 'This is about protecting our community,' said Parks Director Lisa Nguyen. 'We can't let a few people's actions put others in danger.'