Buy Dad a lifejacket for Father's Day

Lifejackets are being promoted as the perfect gift for skippers and those who go boating this Father's Day as part of a new advertising campaign in WA to increase use of the lifesaving device.

WA Transport Minister Dean Nalder reminded boaters that lifejackets are no longer bulky and cumbersome to wear, instead, the modern slim-fitting jackets could be worn at all times when aboard.

 The campaign, urging families to 'Play it safe this Father's Day, and give the gift of a lifejacket', features at retail outlets this month providing a timely gift suggestion that could save a life in an emergency.

"More than 200,000 West Australians have a Recreational Skipper's Ticket and together with  the family and friends they go boating with, they represent a significant part of our community. We want to keep them safe," Mr Nalder said.

"The Department of Transport recommends people on board a boat wear a lifejacket at all times when on the water because there's not always time to put one on in an emergency."

Volunteer Marine Rescue statistics show there were 862 incidents on the water that involved searches or rescues in Western Australia during 2014-15.

 The new campaign is designed to boost the use of lifejackets when boating and adds to the ongoing work of marine safety authorities in WA to educate skippers about their responsibilities.

 "Skippers are responsible for the safety of all those on board a vessel and need to carry the required safety equipment and also ensure people use it," the Minister said.

 "While it is not compulsory to wear a lifejacket at all times when on the water in WA it is excellent boating practice and makes sense when you consider the consequences of not wearing one."

 WA Boating Fact File
>> A lifejacket is required for each person on board when boating in unprotected waters and skippers are responsible for ensuring easy access to safety equipment for all passengers
>> When boating, it's recommended people wear a lifejacket at all times
>> Families targeted in Father's Day campaign designed to boost lifejacket use
>> More than 200,000 West Australians have a Recreational Skipper's Ticket
>> 862 incidents on the water in WA in 2014-15 that involved searches

For more information, contact the marine safety hotline on 1300 863 308 or visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au.