Old4New lifejacket upgrades available at Esperance as part of boating safety push

Skippers in the Esperance region can participate in the successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade program next week as the Department of Transport (DoT) works to highlight the need to check safety gear before each trip.

DoT Manager Safety Education Laurie Adams said it was the responsibility of the skipper to ensure safety equipment was in good working order and readily accessible in an emergency when on the water.

"As part of the renewed focus on boating safety, next weekend DoT marine education and regional transport officers who patrol local waters will offer Old4New lifejacket upgrades and show people how to maintain the new generation inflatable lifejackets," Mr Adams said.

The Old4New program, delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, is an upgrade opportunity where old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejackets can be exchanged for a voucher for use at a local retail outlet when purchasing a new lifejacket.

"It is a hugely successful program which has seen more than 2,000 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 transport.wa.gov.au/lifejackets

Mr Adams said skippers could also get updates and tips on safe boating from the officers on hand at the fun day.

"We will be telling skippers they should conduct a safety briefing before each trip so passengers know where the safety equipment is stowed and how to use it," Mr Adams said.

Old4New will be at the Esperance Emergency Services Fun Day at the Town Beach boat ramp on Sunday 16 September 2018 between 10am and 2pm. To get the latest information like MarineSafetyWA on Facebook or visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/marine-information

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