STATE Government marine safety officers conducted the Old4New life jacket upgrade program and held information sessions at Beachport, Robe and Kingston recently.
The officers provided $20 vouchers in exchange for old, unsuitable, obsolete or damaged life jackets, with a limit of two vouchers per person.
This was a popular and effective way of getting people to upgrade their life jackets and learn about new life jacket laws when New South Wales implemented similar changes.
The vouchers can be redeemed when purchasing a new life jacket at participating retailers.
South Australian life jacket laws changed last month to improve safety on the water and reduce the risks of drowning on South Australian waterways and coastal waters.
New regulations came into effect from December 1, but will only be enforced following a 12-month education campaign before the laws are enforced.
The new laws make the wearing of life jackets mandatory on vessels and in-water activities more often than is currently required.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the State Government wanted all South Australians to be able to enjoy the spectacular coastline and river system.
“We want to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible while out on the water,” Mr Mullighan said.
“Too many people lose their lives unnecessarily because they do not wear life jackets and, while we do not want to stop people enjoying themselves, we want to make sure that we’re doing what we can to reduce serious injuries and deaths out on the water.
“Already boaties are required to have enough life jackets for everyone.
“These new rules will make it clearer when people should be wearing them and will bring South Australia into line with other states such as Victoria and Queensland.
“To make sure we have got these changes right, we’ll spend the first 12 months educating people and giving everyone the opportunity to ensure they have the proper life jackets.
