NSW Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay today launched a safety website designed to promote greater awareness of lifejackets and when to wear them when boating.

Mr Gay said NSW Maritime developed the site as a simple, easy to follow, safety reference for the boating community.

“NSW introduced new lifejacket laws in November 2010 which made it compulsory to wear lifejackets in high-risk circumstances such as boating alone, at night and offshore in small craft,” he said.

“Following 12 months of education, Maritime Boating Safety Officers began enforcing these requirements on 1 November this year.

“The compliance rate with having lifejackets on board is around 95 per cent. The challenge now is to get people wearing them when required.”

Mr Gay said the majority of fatalities occur in boats of less than 4.8m and statistically, these craft were more susceptible to capsize and swamping.

“The people at greatest risk are those in small runabouts. People need to appreciate that a lifejacket will save your life only if you wear it,” Mr Gay stressed.

“The aim is to inform and engage people through the website, and that is why there is a lifejacket photo competition, a lifejacket story telling competition and an opportunity to nominate a member of industry or a stakeholder group that is demonstrating excellence in the promotion of wearing lifejackets.”

The website would be promoted with summer public information advertising and was the latest component of a broader NSW Maritime lifejacket education program that included:

• Lifejacket loan scheme for boaters;
• Lifejacket gift scheme for marine teachers and boating instructors statewide;
• Lifejacket promotions with targeted media outlets;
• Direct mail campaign to boat licence holders throughout NSW; and
• A compliance program statewide by NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers.

NSW Maritime developed the website, with the support of the Office of Boating Safety, and it can be found at www.lifejacketwearit.com.au

Media: Lance Northey 0467 743192