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Boaties benefit from Coastguard lifejacket exchange programme

Monday, 18 November 2019

Boaties are being encouraged to trade in their old lifejackets, which can absorb water and cause the wearer to sink.

Coastguard's Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade starts on November 30, including in locations around Auckland and Northland.

The summer programme gives water lovers a discount of $30 to $40 on new lifejackets when they trade in their old, damaged or ill-fitting lifejackets.

The Old4New life jacket campaign gets rid of unsafe lifejackets. Pictured at back are ambassador Sue Tucker, Andrew Biszczak of Mr Boats and Christian Rasch of Timaru Coastguard.
The Old4New life jacket campaign gets rid of unsafe lifejackets. Pictured at back are ambassador Sue Tucker, Andrew Biszczak of Mr Boats and Christian Rasch of Timaru Coastguard.

Last summer, more than 1200 old, unsafe buoyancy vests were exchanged, with some up to 50 years old.

**READ MORE:

A total of 13,500 old lifejackets have been traded in with Coastguard
A total of 13,500 old lifejackets have been traded in with Coastguard's Old4New programme.

* More than 1200 unsafe lifejackets traded in as part of Coastguard NZ safety initiative

* Old worn lifejackets can be like a towel around your neck says safety campaigner

* Lifejackets get upgraded with Coastguard campaign run on Auckland's North Shore

* Coastguard: We don't just save lives, we reunite families**

Lifejackets made 30 to 50 years ago were filled with a product called kapok, which is now known to absorb water and cause the wearer to sink, according to a safety update from Maritime NZ.

Old4New Community Ambassador Sue Tucker said 13,500 old lifejackets had been traded in through the programme's five years.

'We continue to see lifejackets in all shapes and sizes, some even 50 years old, and what a lot of them have in common is that in an emergency they won't keep you safe.'

Tucker said it was important Kiwis realised lifejackets don't last a lifetime.

Lifejackets that were well looked after could last up to 10 years but ones left in the sun or facing wear and tear may need to be replaced sooner. 

'Lifejackets, including inflatable versions, need to be checked each year to make sure they are in a good condition,' Tucker said.

'If you know your lifejacket is no good, or if you just want some peace of mind, bring it to the Old4New van to get it checked.'

Highlights of the Old4New van in Auckland and Northland include:

Exchanges are also possible at Fish City and Albany Family Boats from November 30 to December 8, and Whangārei's All Marine and Cater Marine from December 7 to 15.

The Old4New website has full details and locations.