Authorities in Brevard County are warning that lifesaving flotation devices along Space Coast beaches are being intentionally tampered with, risking the safety of swimmers. The orange rings, part of a drowning-prevention program by Drown Zero International, have been found with their ropes twisted and knotted, making them hard to deploy during emergencies. The issue has been concentrated near Cocoa Beach, particularly around the Hilton and Palm Lane areas. Drown Zero has installed about 200 flotation stations along beaches from Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet. Wyatt Werneth, founder of Drown Zero and a former Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief, called the tampering 'devastating.' He compared it to removing fire extinguishers from a building, saying the ropes are manipulated with 'great effort' to delay rescuers during critical moments. Beachgoers have also expressed frustration over the lack of respect for the equipment. The devices are designed to be grabbed and thrown to someone in distress, but tampering could cost precious seconds in a rescue. Werneth said he doesn't understand why people would sabotage the tools meant to save lives. 'Imagine someone taking the fire extinguishers out of a building,' he said. 'This is, to me, it's devastating.' Local officials are urging the public to report any tampering. The program has been in place for years, but the recent trend has raised concerns. A lifeguard at Cocoa Beach said the twisted ropes have already delayed attempts to save swimmers. 'Every second counts,' the lifeguard said. 'If you can't get the tube out quickly, someone might drown.' Drown Zero is working with local authorities to address the issue, but Werneth stressed that community cooperation is essential. 'We need people to understand these are not just toys,' he said. 'They’re life-saving equipment.'