Augusta first stop for Old4New lifejacket upgrade program in regions

The Department of Transport's (DoT) very successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade program is being extended to regional locations.

DoT Safety Education Manager Laurie Adams said the upcoming Augusta River Festival would be the first venue for regional skippers to benefit from the program which to date has seen more than 650 old or damaged lifejackets upgraded.

Delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, the Old4New initiative spearheads a State-wide education campaign promoting the benefits of wearing lifejackets at all times while boating.

"The aim is to change people's behaviour and improve the safety of people who enjoy boating in WA," Mr Adams said.

There was an overwhelming response to the Old4New lifejacket campaign when introduced in the metropolitan area earlier this year following a trial last year. Based on schemes introduced in other jurisdictions, it's hoped the scheme will mirror the success of that implemented in New South Wales where the number of boaters wearing a lifejacket has quadrupled since 2007.

Mr Adams said skippers visiting the DoT stand at the Augusta River Festival on March 5, 2017 would be provided with discount vouchers to purchase lifejackets from participating retailers.

Old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejackets can be exchanged for a voucher with a maximum of three vouchers per vessel.

"Voucher limits and restrictions are in place to ensure the benefits of the program apply to as many vessels as possible, Mr Adams said.

"To avoid disappointment it's important that people wanting to participate in the program read the Old4New guidelines at www.transport.wa.gov.au/lifejackets to check if their jackets qualify for an upgrade and to find out more information."

More Old4New regional locations will be announced shortly and will be detailed on the Department's website.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au