Spotlight on boat safety at Esperance Show with Old4New lifejacket upgrades

Skippers in the Esperance region are being told to check their safety gear before each trip to ensure it is in good working order and readily accessible in an emergency.

This is the message from the Department of Transport (DoT) as it prepares the Marine Safety Education Trailer to visit Esperance next weekend, providing tips on safe boating and bringing its very successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade to the town.

DoT Manager Safety Education Laurie Adams said the Old4New program, delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, was an upgrade opportunity where old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejackets could be 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 more than 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 skippers could also get updates and tips on safe boating and this summer we are advocating that skippers conduct a safety briefing before each trip so passengers know where the safety equipment is stowed and how to use it.

"Marine education and regional transport officers who permanently patrol local waters will be on hand to discuss issues and highlight the need to keep a check on the weather while out on the water using the Bureau of Meteorology's MetEye service www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/," Mr Adams said

Old4New will be at the Esperance Show on Friday October 20 and Saturday October 21, 2017 and at the Town Boat Ramp from 10:00 am to noon on Sunday October 22, 2017.

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