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Old lifejackets may look nostalgic but they lack modern safety features.
Coastguard is inviting boaties to trade in their mouldy, old, out-of-date lifejackets for a brand new Hutchwilco vest.
Coastguard’s “old4new” van will be at the Snells Beach boat ramp on Wednesday, December 16, from 3pm to 7pm, with a range of Hutchwilco life jackets. It will be at the Orewa boat ramp on Sunday, December 13, from 8am to 11am.
An adult-sized Hutchwilco Aquavest will cost just $69 with a trade in, or $59 for a child’s.
Crewman Paul Steinkamp says the initiative is strongly supported by the Kawau Rescue unit.
“We rescue people every year who would not be alive if they had not been wearing a proper lifejacket that was fit for purpose,” he says.
“This includes being large enough to support you, being able to stop you from floating face down, and having a crotch strap to prevent it pulling up over your head.”
Paul also recommends that boaties sign up for a membership with Coastguard if they have not done so already.
