Old4New lifejacket upgrade program at Dowerin and Newdegate field days

The importance of safety on the water will be highlighted at two of the biggest events on WA's agricultural calendar, the upcoming Dowerin and Newdegate field days.

The Department of Transport's (DoT) Marine Safety Education Trailer will be at each event providing the latest advice to skippers and an opportunity to participate in the very successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade program.

DoT Manager Safety Education Laurie Adams said Old4New, delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, saw old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejackets exchanged for a voucher for use at a local retail outlet when purchasing a new lifejacket.

"It is a hugely successful program and this year has seen about 1,000 unsafe lifejackets taken off boats in WA," Mr Adams said.

Voucher limits and restrictions are in place to ensure the benefits of the program apply to as many vessels as possible so people who want to participate should check the guidelines at www.transport.wa.gov.au/lifejackets

Mr Adams said people could also get up-to-date information on the suitability and water depths of local lakes for water skiing and personal water craft use and safety requirements such as the Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST).

"With the high number of people attending these events, it is a perfect time to inform and educate the boating community and we urge skippers to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about boating safety," Mr Adams said.

"The Department and its officers are committed to reaching all parts of the State's boating community as it works to educate and inform people about safety on the water."

Copies of the free RST workbook, which contains all the information needed to gain an RST and a list of authorised providers, will be available from officers at the trailer.

It is compulsory for people in charge of a recreational vessel with a motor of more than 6HP (4.5 kilowatts) to hold an RST.

People wanting further information about safe boating can visit DoT's Marine information section.

The Dowerin Field Days are on August 30 and 31, 2017 while the Newdegate Machinery Field Days are on September 6 and 7, 2017.

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