New App Saves Fishers' Lives And Saves Secrets

31 January 2013
MEDIA RELEASE
New App Saves Lives And Saves Secrets

Hutchwilco’s new mobile app helps keep Kiwi fishermen safe on the water

We all know that old sea dogs only reveal their secret fishing spots under threat of death. The problem is that over 20 of them are drowning each year in boating incidents (up 150% on the five year average) largely because no one can locate them when they get into trouble on the water.

No one knows this better than the people who supply the majority of New Zealand’s boaties with lifejackets – the team at Hutchwilco – so they’ve decided to do something about it by generating a mobile app that makes sure they don’t lose any more customers.

Hutchwilco Managing Director Gary Sutton says, “We understand why Kiwi fishermen don’t want to reveal their secret fishing spots but are they really worth dying for? It seems such a tragedy when responsible boaties invest in good quality lifejackets and then risk their safety by not telling loved ones where they are going.

“Our invaluable new app has been under development for 18 months and we think it will catch on with Kiwi fishermen – hook, line and sinker!”

The secure app dubbed ‘Hutchwilco’s secret fishing spots’ can be downloaded free from itunes. It allows fishermen to map their favourite fishing spots as well as keeping a log of their catch. Once you log on it will record your journey and allow loved ones at home to know exactly where you are if the need arises.

Water Safety New Zealand reported 20 drownings attributed to Power Boating in 2012. And drownings from Land Based Fishing increased over the same period by 25%.

If initial reaction is anything to go by, this app really resonates with responsible boaties. After just one week it is already ranking at the #2 sports app on itunes.

ENDS

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