Partnership to encourage lifejacket use

by Neena Mairata on 15 Oct 2014 The Maritime Management Centre (MMC) and Rowing NSW have announced a partnership to promote lifejacket awareness.

MMC have donated 300 new generation lifejackets to Rowing NSW so their coaches and instructors can act as ambassadors by wearing them and role modelling behaviour to further encourage everyone on the water to wear lifejackets.

'The lifejackets will be used to kit out Rowing NSW’s network of coaches and instructors in key rowing locations across NSW,' said MMC General Manager Howard Glenn.

'Nine out of 10 people who drowned when boating in NSW over the past decade were not wearing a lifejacket. By remembering to wear a lifejacket at all times on the water, it might just save your life,' Mr Glenn said.

The new generation lifejackets have a slimline design that allows them to fit comfortably on the wearer’s body to encourage longer and more frequent use.

'The new lifejackets are designed to help you get the most out of your day on the water. They are stylish and available in all shapes and sizes. Because they are less cumbersome to wear than the old-style block of foam jackets, they don’t get in the way of your favourite boating activities,' Mr Glenn said.

The partnership between the Maritime Management Centre and Rowing NSW supports a priority action within the Maritime Policy Agenda which is committed to reducing the rate of fatalities through the promotion of safe, responsible and enjoyable boating.

'This initiative is a collaboration with safety partners to develop a program that improves the wear rates of lifejackets and reduce the loss of life caused by drowning when boating,' Mr Glenn said.

'Nearly two million people in NSW go boating each year, and accidents can happen suddenly, and to anyone. This partnership is about educating people about the benefits of wearing a lifejacket,' Mr Glenn said.

For more information on boating safety, click here.