Sydney Easter Show - Go boating

by Ross Nathan on 25 Mar 2015 Sydney Easter Show - Sailing the high seas, cruising on the Sydney Harbour or enjoying the tranquil blue waters near an exotic tropical island are all ‘virtual’ possibilities for boating enthusiasts who visit the Transport for NSW stand.

Thanks to a special green screen technology, ‘boaties’ can have their photograph taken and be superimposed in front of a number of different boating scenarios as well as win some great prizes.

“We’re borrowing some tricks from movie makers to put some fun into our important message about wearing a lifejacket while you’re on the water”, General Manager Maritime Management Centre Howard Glenn said.

Customers who have their photo taken can choose different backdrops and props, as well as different types of watercraft such as kayaks, fishing boats or sailboats. Each participant is also given a modern lifejacket to wear.

Once a picture is taken, customers are sent a link to their email address which enables them to easily upload the image to social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The best photos shared will be in the running for one of three ‘boating experience’ prizes provided by Maritime Management Centre partners.

As well as having fun posing for photos and sharing them with their friends, customers can also chat with experienced Roads and Maritime Services staff about lifejackets and general boating safety information.

“This is about using the powers of social media to help dispel the myth that lifejackets are big and bulky and just get in the way of a good day out in the water,” Mr Glenn said.

“We will be engaging hundreds, if not thousands, of people but ultimately we want to get people thinking about the importance of wearing a lifejacket when they are on the water.

“By trying on our new generation lifejackets, people will be able to see for themselves that they are lightweight, slim fitting and well suited to any type of on-water activity,” Mr Glenn said.

“Nine out of 10 people who drowned while boating in the last decade were not wearing a lifejacket which is alarming.

“People need to get in the habit of putting on a lifejacket every time they head out for a day on the water, in the same way we all remember to put on sunscreen,” Mr Glenn said.

“Boating is a fun activity but accidents can happen and people need to realise that wearing a lifejacket might just save their life.”

The Transport for NSW stand is located in the Home, Garden and Lifestyle hall.

For more information on modern lifejackets click here.