As we come in to summer, having safe lifejackets is really important. At Channel Magazine we love Coastguard. And we love the campaign that they are driving called ‘Old4New’. The Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade Campaign is coming to a boat ramp near you.

It’s easy. Simply bring your old, damaged or out-of-date lifejacket to the Old4New van, and receive a great discount on a brand-new, quality Hutchwilco lifejacket. The campaign is kicking off from December 2nd and is visiting locations across the country.

The Old4New van – kindly provided by the Giltrap Group and laden with lifejackets – will be visiting boat ramps from the Far North (Houhora) to the Deep South (Invercargill) over summer. In addition, retailer Boating & Outdoors will offer the Old4New upgrade in stores nationwide on selected dates, for boaties who can’t make it to the van.

Over 4,500 lifejackets have been traded in over the last three years of the campaign, meaning thousands of Kiwis are safer out on the water. Plus, traded-in lifejackets that still meet New Zealand Standards are shipped to at-risk communities in the Pacific Islands, ensuring local fishermen and recreational water users don’t risk their lives when working for their livelihoods.

The Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade forms a key part of Coastguard’s advocacy for safe and enjoyable boating and is once again proudly funded this year by Maritime New Zealand. Generous support from Kiwi companies Hutchwilco and the Giltrap Group also ensure the Old4New van can get to communities the width and breadth of New Zealand.

For a full location schedule and more details, visit www.old4new.nz or get in touch with the team at Coastguard on 0800 BOATIE (262 843).