Royal Life Saving WA has established a new pick-up location in Mandurah on Sutton Street, where boaties are encouraged to upgrade their old lifejackets to modern self-inflating lifejackets through the Old4New lifejacket upgrade program. The program encourages boaters to make the move to safer lifejackets by surrendering their old or damaged lifejackets for a new Crewsaver self-inflating, slim fitting version at a discounted price of $80.

The program aims to increase the use of lifejackets, particularly as on average, there are five boating-related drowning deaths recorded each year in WA, and 70% of people involved in these incidents were not wearing a lifejacket at the time. By offering access to affordable modern lifejackets, boaters will be more likely to wear them while on the water to prevent drowning tragedies.

Jen Mickle, Health Promotion Coordinator at Royal Life Saving WA, stated that too many boaters were not wearing lifejackets, which placed them at a higher risk of drowning. Traditional lifejackets were bulky and uncomfortable, making them unpalatable for the average fisherman to wear for long periods while out fishing for the day. However, technological advances mean that there are now better-designed lifejackets than there were in the past, which are lighter and more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time than conventional foam lifejackets.

Old4New provides boaters the opportunity to upgrade their old or damaged lifejackets to new Crewsaver self-inflating, slim fitting jackets at a discounted price. Since the program's launch in 2016, almost 3000 lifejackets have been upgraded, making boaters and fishers safer when out on WA waters. Lifejackets can also be upgraded at Geographe Bay Yacht Club and Royal Life Saving WA's head office in Mt Claremont. Upgrades are offered by appointment only. Contact Royal Life Saving WA on 9838 8200 or old4new@royallifesavingwa.com.au to book an appointment.