Media Release NSW inspires trans-Tasman safety push

[mrsswordfisherman]

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/