Eastbourne Borough Council and the RNLI have teamed up to ask the culprits to think about their actions — and leave the rings alone.

Three rings were removed from their protective casings and stolen over the weekend, leaving some areas of beach without lifesaving provision during the stormy weather.

The life buoy rings are often found at a later date damaged and abandoned in residents' gardens and in many cases have to be replaced at cost.

Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat coxswain Mark Sawyer said, "It's imperative that these lifesaving facilities are left intact and used only in times of emergency and danger.

"Launching a lifeboat can take time so these buoys can maintain life during the vital moments before a lifeboat and crew arrives on the scene."

Councillor David Elkin, Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson for tourism, added, "At this time of year, stirred up by the January storms, we often see the spectacle of some very big waves and this often attracts onlookers to the beach.

"Should an emergency arise it is essential that we have all of these lifesavers in place and that they are easily accessible.

"I would urge these vandals to think of the potential consequences before they indulge in what might seem like a harmless prank at the time."

Eastbourne has a total of 20 red and white buoys stationed along the promenade.

Lifeguards patrol Eastbourne's main Blue Flag resort beach from May 1 to September 30.

Incidents are often recorded on seafront CCTV footage and anyone with any information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070 999.

For more information on beach safety, go to www.visiteastbourne.com/seafront