Plastic bottles used as inexpensive lifesavers

Heh. That would never work in America. You’d need like 100 bottles.

If you tried that in America I’m sure at some beaches they’d get filled with pee (barf).

You would be surprised how well these do work. The Red Cross suggests many ways to make your own flotation devices. From broom sticks to empty milk jugs tied together such as these containers pictured. All they need to do is assist in getting the distressed swimmer to the dock, side of the pool, beach or waters edge.
When it comes to saving lives use whatever you can to help. But remember the adage, ‘throw, don’t go’! Meaning throw something to pull the individual to the side and not jump in yourself unless properly trained.
The American Red Cross does have standards for beaches and public places as far as life saving devices. Most make your own ideas are for private residences and if there is no lifeguard available it must be posted by law.
As for vandalism, public pools are kept under lock and key here for fear for the general safety. Most drownings occur between the ages of 15-25 males who have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As for location, these drownings occur mostly in unfamiliar settings.
The best solution to avoid these situations are: learn to swim and learn CPR(Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation).
Follow this simple rule: Stay within arms reach.

Meh… the lifeguard in me temporarily escaped.