2 December 2016

Time for Safer Lifejackets

Two national lifejacket promotions have the whole hearted support of regional Harbourmaster Martin Moore.

An “Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade” promotion is being run by Coastguard and will be in Hawke’s Bay in January. Maritime NZ has also launched a national lifejacket promotion “Nobody’s faster than disaster”, with national retailer Rebel Sport running in early December.

“I think we were all shocked by the recent boating tragedy at Kaipara, so all boaties should be thinking through their safety practices. They should take advantage of these good opportunities to get enough lifejackets on their boats that are the right sizes for their mates and in good nick,” says Martin Moore, Harbourmaster.

The Coastguard scheme will allow boaties to trade in old or damaged lifejackets for a good discount on a new Hutchwilco jacket. The Old4New promotional van will be at Coastguard in Napier on 14 January. In addition people can take old lifejackets to Firmans Marine during the week 16-22 January to take up the trade in offer. More details are online at www.coastguard.nz.

Maritime NZ has linked with national retailer, Rebel Sport which is offering a 20% discount off lifejackets for the next two weeks until 14 December. Maritime NZ has also provided funding for the Coastguard scheme.

“In Hawke’s Bay the Navigation Safety Bylaw makes lifejackets essential for boaties, jet skiers and many other water sports to wear or carry on board. These national promotions will help local people to be well-equipped and safer on the water.”

Lifejackets are essential in Hawke’s Bay as the rules are -

• lifejackets must be worn at all times on vessels 6 metres or less when underway

• lifejackets must be worn at all times on paddlecraft, e.g. waka ama and kayaks. Paddleboards are exempt if a leg rope is used in broken water

• all boats must carry the correctly-sized lifejacket for each person on board, which must be worn when the skipper requests it.

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