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NEWS
New lifejacket safety campaign
Authorities try to turn the tide on the terrible boating drowning statsA new lifejacket campaign has been launched by Transport for NSW in a bid to promote safe and responsible boating behaviour.
Maritime Management Centre General Manager Howard Glenn said over the past decade, nine out of 10 people who drowned while boating in NSW were not wearing a lifejacket.
“This campaign is all about saving lives. It’s that simple,” Mr Howard Glenn said. “The campaign will really focus on educating people about the benefits of wearing a lifejacket."
Mr Glenn says the new summer campaign is the most comprehensive to date and includes paid media in TV, outdoor, in-venue, radio, print and digital channels,” Mr Glenn said.
“Nearly two million people in NSW go boating each year which is a lot of people out on the water. Accidents can happen suddenly and to anyone. By remembering to wear a lifejacket at all times, it might just save your life.
“It’s about getting people into the habit of putting on a lifejacket every time they go out on the water, especially those in small craft, the same way we all remember to put on sunscreen,” Mr Glenn said.
A key part of the strategy will be to dispel the theory that lifejackets are too big and bulky to wear.
“A lot of people still don’t know that lifejackets don’t impact a day out on the water. They’re slim-fitting, stylish, modern, affordable and available in all shapes and sizes,” Mr Glenn said.
“Our campaign is not just about talking to our regular boaters, it’s about reaching a far wider audience. This includes women, who research has shown play an important part in reinforcing this safety message to their families.”
An exciting new lifejacket road-show initiative will also be launching in coming weeks.
“For the first time ever, we will have a lifejacket vehicle touring boat ramps across the state that will encourage people to exchange their old lifejackets for new ones,” Mr Glenn said.
“It will also be a great way to showcase new-generation lifejacket styles available.
“We will cover a lot of ground and, most importantly, we’ll be going direct to the people as they head out for a day on the water,” Mr Glenn said.
To supplement the campaign there will also be a “zero tolerance” approach taken by Boating Safety Officers (BSO) and Marine Area Command to anyone not wearing a lifejacket when required to by law.
There will also be a “lifejacket loan” project set up that enables BSOs to loan lifejackets to people who don’t have any onboard their boat as required by law.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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