mrsswordfisherman Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 NSW inspires trans-Tasman safety push Maritime Management Centre General Manager Howard Glenn today welcomed a trans-Tasman collaboration that promotes the wearing of lifejackets when boating. Mr Glenn said the Maritime Management Centre, within Transport for NSW, have supported Coastguard Northern Region in New Zealand in the launch of a mobile lifejacket promotion in Auckland. “The Maritime Management Centre has led the way in NSW over the last two years through the Old4New program to promote increased wearing of lifejackets in an effort to reduce the rate of fatalities when boating,” Mr Glenn said. “New Zealand Coastguard has now adopted the Old4New program to the public with a mobile ‘pop up’ promotion, which showcases the range of new generation lifejackets which are modern, comfortable and slim fitting. “The Old4New program is helping NSW and now New Zealand to break down the perception that lifejackets are big, bulky and a barrier to increased wear. The reality is, modern lifejackets can be worn in comfort for the duration of a typical day out in a boat. “We are delighted to have been able to form a trans-Tasman collaboration with the Maritime Management Centre as we work to raise awareness over the mutual concern of preventable drowning in boating,” said New Zealand Coastguard Northern Region Chief Executive Officer David Tommas. “The support both through the sharing of information and resources has made a significant impact on our ability to bring this fantastic initiative to New Zealand communities,” Mr Tommas said. In its first year, Old4New visited almost 100 boat ramps and engaged more than 4000 people throughout NSW from November 2013 to May 2014 to get on board the initiative. Last financial year, NSW recorded the lowest number of boating fatalities in 20 years and the lifejacket wear rate across the state increased to 34 per cent, three times greater than the 9 per cent recorded in 2007. Coastguard Northern Region encompasses Auckland and is the busiest region for boating in New Zealand and takes more than 100,000 calls every year on VHF marine radio, not counting many by telephone, for assistance. More information is available at http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au/about-lifejackets/old4new-upgrade/ Editors note: a photo of the launch in New Zealand is available at https://flic.kr/p/p5GTPX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jocler Posted November 23, 2014 Share Posted November 23, 2014 I went up to the Bonna Point ramp on Sunday morning. I took along a couple of old chunky but unused life vests that came with the boat. I swapped them out for the new auto inflating 150 type of life vest at $60.00 each. These will just become extras on the boat and take up a lot less room but well worth the money. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now