TV awareness campaign calls on boaties to be safe on the water

by Transport for NSW on 3 Oct 2014 Transport for NSW today announced the state’s biggest ever boating safety program is ramping up with the launch of this summer’s TV awareness campaign promoting safe and responsible behaviour on the water.

Maritime Management Centre General Manager Howard Glenn said the campaign aims to build on the success of last year’s campaign, which will continue to use the tag line ‘Wear a lifejacket. It never ruined a day on the water.’

'Boating is a wonderful activity enjoyed by an estimated two million people each year in NSW,' Mr Glenn said.
'However it’s staggering to think that over the last 10 years, nine out of 10 people who drowned while boating in NSW were not wearing a lifejacket.

'Safety is central to an enjoyable day out in a boat and last year NSW recorded its best safety result for more than 20 years, with lifejacket wear rates up and fatalities down,' Mr Glenn said.

'Eight fatalities were recorded statewide compared with 27 fatalities the year before.

'Last year’s results were encouraging but we still have plenty more to do. This is why we will continue to promote the message to the public about wearing lifejackets when they head out for a day on the water,' Mr Glenn said.

This summer’s campaign will include media in TV, outdoor, radio, print and digital channels.

Mr Glenn said there will be an increased focus on males aged between 30 and 50 because this group continues to be over represented in recreational boating injury and fatality statistics.

'There is a common misconception out there that lifejackets are too big and bulky, and just get in the way. But that is definitely not the case. Nowadays, they’re slim fitting, stylish and well suited to any sort of on water activity,' Mr Glenn said.

'Our key message for the campaign is to ‘wear a lifejacket’ because with the new generation lifejackets available, it will never ruin a day of fun on the water.

'But accidents can happen, especially in small boats, and we just want people to take responsibility for their own safety,' Mr Glenn said.

'Australians have got themselves into great habits when it comes to putting on sunscreen when they head outdoors. In the same way, boaters need to get themselves in the habit of putting on a lifejacket before they head onto the water.'

Mr Glenn said the ad campaign will support a number of other key initiatives being run as part of the overall boating safety program for this summer.

'We have the ads out there to help generate awareness amongst the general public but it’s also extremely important to be reaching people out on the water,' Mr Glenn said.

'So there are more Boating Safety Officers on the water who will continue their ‘zero tolerance’ approach to wearing a lifejacket when required.

'There will also be Boating Education Officers around to reinforce our wear a lifejacket message,' Mr Glenn said.
'And our lifejacket van will again be touring boat ramps this summer to help promote our new generation lifejackets available. All in the name of saving lives, it’s that simple.'

For more information, visit lifejacketwearit.com.au