Coastguard boating safety initiative rolls out   8 Dec 2014

Coastguard’s latest boating safety initiative the ‘Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade’ campaign which has seen a van laden with brand new lifejackets visiting boat ramps around the Northern Region has received incredible support from the public and wider marine industry since its launch in early November. It’s this support together with the overwhelming response which has seen over 400 lifejackets traded in over the last month that will now see the initiative rolled out to communities across the Region up to the end of January. Anyone who owns a lifejacket will be able to upgrade their current one for a brand new fit for purpose lifejacket with a competitive trade in discount.

The Old4New initiative with the tagline ‘Wear a lifejacket – It never ruined a day on the water’ launched in early November and already to-date has seen over 400 lifejackets traded in - some 50 years old from classic sailing and cork jackets, to those that the kids have grown out of or that have just been sitting unused in the front of the boat with boaties walking away with new fit-for-purpose quality jacket.

The ‘Old4New Upgrade’ van is a vibrant addition to over 40 boat ramps around the greater Auckland and Northland areas and down to the Coromandel Peninsula on weekends and key week days throughout the busy summer holiday period. Boaties and members of the public are encouraged to visit the van and trade in their old lifejackets where they then receive a generous trade-in discount on a new quality lifejacket ($40 off the popular inflatable lifejacket ad $30 off a range of foam lifejackets). A full location schedule of ramp visits can be downloaded fromcoastguard.org.nz.

“Sadly year to date we have seen an increase in boating related drowning’s, especially with males in small craft not wearing a lifejacket. This is a great way for Coastguard to get out and about to talk to boaties about boating safety. Skipper responsibility and having a fit for purpose lifejacket is vital when heading out on the water and the ‘Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade’ Campaign makes it very convenient to get the appropriate lifejacket and the right fit” said Georgie Smith, Coastguard spokesperson.

“The response communities around the region and marine industry alike have been humbling with the campaign forming a key part of Coastguard’s advocacy for safe and enjoyable boating over the 2014/15 summer boating season.

For more information about the ‘Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade’ Campaign including resources and the boat ramp visit schedule or to find out more about Coastguard visit www.coastguard.org.nz

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