Old4New lifejacket upgrades and safe boating advice at Brunswick Show

The importance of up-to-date weather information while on the water and checking safety gear before each trip to ensure it is in good working order and readily accessible in an emergency will be key messages to skippers attending this year's Brunswick Show.

The Department of Transport's (DoT) Marine Safety Education Trailer will be at the show promoting boating safety and also providing skippers access to its very successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade program.

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 1,100 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 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 available all day at the Brunswick Show on Saturday October 28, 2017.

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