A COMPANY boss has given lake users an unexpected safety-conscious Christmas present.

Donald Sidebottom, chairman of Blackpool-based environmental and safety product manufacturer Glasdon UK Ltd, has offered to replace all of the life buoys and life buoy housings on Windermere, free of charge.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) owns the bed of the lake and also manages some lake facilities, including the 12 life buoys situated at various points on the Windermere lakeshore.

Glasdon supplied and installed the existing life buoys and housings, and some are now up to 15 years old. Mr Sidebottom, who lives close to Windermere, said he had noticed that some of the equipment is starting to show signs of ageing.

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In a generous gesture, Mr Sidebottom has told SLDC that he will now donate brand new replacements, complete with either life buoy rings or a B-line water safety aid.

Cllr Sue Sanderson, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Environment and People and chair of the Lake Administration Committee, said: “We would like to thank Mr Sidebottom and Glasdon for this generous gesture.

“Clearly safety on the lake is vitally important and these new life buoys will be a real benefit to the many thousands of people that enjoy this beautiful lake every year.’’

Glasdon are also to donate a number of replacement life buoys at other Lake District sites identified as being under the management of the National Trust and The Lake District National Park Authority.

Lead lake ranger, Ronnie Muggridge from the Lake District National Park, said: “The safety of our visitors on the water at Brockhole cannot be taken for granted, so it is great to have the latest water safety devices available to lake users. We are grateful for this kind offer of support.”