Water Safety Ireland has condemned the deliberate removal of lifebuoys near open water locations in Galway, saying the absence of the flotation aids could have fatal consequences.
The agency says there is an ongoing problem with the movement, theft or disposal of ringbuoys along the River Corrib, and at the seafront, adjacent to Galway Bay.
It is thought that in some instances, rope attached to the devices is being stolen to be used for clothes lines.
In other cases, buoys are simply thrown into the water and left to float away.
In recent weeks, several lifebuoys have been removed from designated housing at a number of locations in Galway City and county.
Many were recovered when they reached the mouth of the River Corrib.
The Deputy CEO of Water Safety Ireland says such activity is irresponsible and puts lives at immediate risk.
Roger Sweeney says that people in distress at sea, or in rivers and lakes, depend on the availability of ringbuoys to assist them in staying afloat and "giving them a fighting chance of survival".
Mr Sweeney said the issue was not confined to Galway, and that around €20,000 was being spent annually to replace lost or stolen ringbuoys.
He called for greater awareness of the importance of ensuring the devices are available when needed.
Mr Sweeney said there was an onus on wider society to counter the "civic and moral failure" that was resulting from the actions of those involved in such vandalism.
