MEDIA RELEASE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Coastguard campaign helps ensure 2,200 people are safer on the water this summer

This summer's Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign, run by Coastguard, has seen over 2,200 old, damaged and obsolete lifejackets traded in by boaties, helping boaties keep safe on the water nationwide.

The campaign, in which a VW van laden with lifejackets visits communities across the country, has been running since early December and has visited 36 boat ramps and locations from Paihia in the north to Akaroa in Canterbury. This Waitangi Weekend is the last chance for boaties to take advantage of the Old4New discounts, where they can get a new, fit-for-purpose lifejacket at a substantial saving. Boaties are encouraged to bring in their old lifejacket (in any condition) and receive a great discount on a brand new Hutchwilco lifejacket.
 
The last locations are to get your lifejackets sorted this weekend are:
Hamilton – Saturday 4 February, from 8am-1pm – Fish City, cnr. Kahikatea Drive and Latham Court
Auckland – Sunday 5 February, from 8am-1pm – Marine Rescue Centre, Solent St, Mechanics Bay
 
Coastguard have been overwhelmed with support from boaties and the public for the campaign. “We’re delighted that the Old4New Lifejacket Campaign has enjoyed such huge support from communities and the industry right across the country,” says Callum Gillespie, Coastguard Northern Region CEO. “Over 2,200 traded-in lifejackets means that there’s over 2,200 people who are now safer than ever on the water”.
 
Some lifejackets that were traded were over 40 years old, and some were so water-logged or damaged they had no life-saving function left. “It’s quite eye-opening the state of some of the lifejackets out there. We urge boaties to make sure that their lifejackets are in good condition, modern and that they fit well.”
 
The campaign also had an educational aspect to it, by helping people understand the importance of wearing – and not just taking – lifejackets. “It wasn’t just about getting new lifejackets into the community, but also ensuring that people walked away with lifejackets that are suitable for their type of watersport, and that fit properly,” said Mr Gillespie.
 
The campaign was established by Coastguard in Auckland and Northland in the summer of 2014, based on a similar model run by Transport NSW in Australia. Over the past three years, nearly 5,500 lifejackets have been traded in, with this year being the first time the campaign has run nationwide.
 
The campaign, which has been funded with a water safety grant from Maritime New Zealand and is supported by kiwi companies Hutchwilco, the Giltrap Group and retailer Boating & Outdoors, wraps up at the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre in Mechanics Bay, Auckland this Sunday 5th February, from 8am to 1pm.

ENDS

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