Boaties have been invited to trade in their old, damaged or worn life jackets for new ones this weekend at Sulphur Point.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Coastguard's Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade team will be there on Sunday from 8am to 11am to encourage boaties to trade their old life jackets in for discounts on new ones.
The regional council would also have Safer Boating staff on site to demonstrate how to service life jackets.
Safer Boating officer Tony Pearce said the importance of wearing life jackets has been highlighted in the past few weeks.
"Skippers must carry a correctly sized and fit for purpose lifejacket for each person on board.
"With sheds across the country littered with old life jackets that no longer work and inflatables people have no idea how to operate, this is a great opportunity to upgrade your safety kit at a reasonable price and learn some tips at the same time," he said.
There would be free safer boating resources and waterproof cellphone bags to give away.
"It's great to see Coastguard taking practical steps to address issues around life jackets no longer being fit for purpose and hats off to Maritime New Zealand for funding this great initiative."
Old4New
- Sulphur Point boat ramp, Sunday, 8am to 11am
- Coastguard will also be at Whakatane boat ramp between 1pm to 4pm
- Visit the Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade van and trade in old, damaged or worn lifejacket for a significant discount on a brand new, modern lifejacket. There are five lifejacket styles to choose from, including one for kids.