Get a discounted life jacket through the Coastguards Old4New campaign!
Sunscreen? Check.
Food? Check.
Life jackets? Ah…hummm…
According to the Coast Guard, most boating fatalities are preventable by simply wearing a life jacket. In fact, only 70% of boaties claim to wear a life jacket at all times on the water. It’s no wonder why the New Zealand Coast Guard is again rolling out its life jacket exchange programme this season.
Currently, travelling to 24 boat ramp locations throughout New Zealand, the ‘Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade’ van is offering Kiwis a chance to exchange old battered vests (a.k.a. last season’s seat cushions) for discounted, flash Hutchwilco life jackets. Yes, you heard right. Trade in an old life jacket and get a brand-new one at a discounted price. We’re talking easily saving $30-$40 per jacket through this campaign.
When it could mean life or death…who doesn’t like that?
As the van travels around, it’s crucial, though, you catch them in your area. The schedule can be viewed here (https://www.old4new.nz/#VANSHCEDULE). EFTPOS and credit cards are all accepted and it doesn’t matter if that jacket came over with Captain Cook or is only a couple seasons old. No matter the condition, the Coast Guard will credit you the same towards a new life jacket. And even if you don’t have one to trade in, you can still purchase a new one at full price.
There’s no limit on trade-in numbers or purchase amounts but stock might be limited. So, we highly recommend you show up early at ramp locations to ensure you get the jacket(s) of your dreams.
And the cool part is, there’s a nice selection of jackets, too; you aren’t forced into just buying one kind. See the full selection here (https://www.old4new.nz/#LIFEJACKETPRICING). Not only that, but each inflatable life jacket comes with a free crotch strap which will prevent the jacket slipping over your head in the case of an emergency in the water. You can also purchase crotch straps separately.
But let’s say, you’re sanding hull paint the day of the exchange in your area —or worse— you’re not anywhere near an exchange point. What can you do?
Well, Boating & Outdoors stores have it covered. Simply bring in your life jacket to store locations (https://www.old4new.nz/in-store-swap) at assigned times, and Bob’s your uncle.
Originating in Australia by Transport New South Wales, the ‘Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade’ campaign has seen over 4,000 life jackets traded in over the years in New Zealand. It’s been highly practical for raising boating safety awareness and allows Kiwis to get a little more bang for their buck along the way. Any used life jackets that still meet New Zealand Coast Guard standards will also be redistributed into the community. So, it’s really a triple win for Kiwi boaties.
The trade in programme is supported by Maritime New Zealand, the Hutchwilco life jacket manufacturer, the Giltrap Group and Boating & Outdoors – all who want to see Kiwi boating safety improved this season.
Safety should always be first and foremost for your time on the water. There’s really no reason why you can’t get a great life jacket, save some money along the way and promote boating safety in your community this season. Check out full details of the campaign here (https://www.old4new.nz) on the Coast Guard website.