NEWS - NSW Maritime and BIA donates 400 lifejackets

NSW Maritime yesterday joined with the Boating Industry Association (BIA) to present hundreds of inflatable-type lifejackets to people who are teaching and inspiring others to be safe and responsible on our waterways.

NSW Maritime chief executive, Steve Dunn, joined with BIA general manager, Roy Privett, to hand over 400 inflatable lifejackets to be used by instructors in boating safety.

“NSW Maritime is proud to be part of this program to support our partners in safety, the Marine Teachers and Yachting NSW instructors,” said Dunn.

“The Marine Teachers and Yachting instructors provide an excellent service to the community through education and promotion of safe and responsible boating. They are role models in safety to our future generations of boaters,” he said.

Privett said the inflatable-type lifejackets meant the Marine Teachers and Yachting NSW instructors would lead by example.

“With almost 500,000 boat-licence holders in NSW, it is important for all skippers to make sure they have a lifejacket onboard for every person, and to know when to wear them,” said Privett.

“Boating is one of Australia’s favourite family pastimes and knowing some simple rules gives skippers peace of mind, and also helps ensure that their crew are in good hands,” he said.

Dunn said the gift was part of a broader effort to raise awareness of the new lifejacket rules than came into effect on November 1.

“This is one way to raise awareness of the new lifejacket laws, especially the need to wear lifejackets at times of heightened risk such as boating alone or boating offshore,” said Dunn.

“Lifejackets save lives, and this is all about encouraging a culture of safe and responsible boating,” he said.

The 400 inflatable type one lifejackets have a retail value of approximately $30,000.

Photos: (L-R) Marine Teacher Greg McNeill with Yachting NSW sailing instructors Ali and Will Chapman pictured with just of few of the 400 lifejackets donated by NSW Maritime and the BIA of NSW; Pictured at the donation of lifejackets were (from left, front row) - Marine Teachers Association of NSW vice president Greg McNeill, BIA general manager Roy Privett, Yachting NSW general manager Peter Hemery, NSW Maritime chief executive Steve Dunn, with Yachting NSW instructors Ali and Will Chapman. Marine Studies students are in background.