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AS hundreds of boat users prepare to set sail with their families this Easter, BCF has launched an initiative to remind people that wearing a personal flotation device could save lives.
With research from a National Marine Safety Committee study revealing that people who survived a boating incident were more than twice as likely to have been wearing a PFD compared to those who died, BCF wants to encourage people to put safety first when they hit the water. The ‘Great PFD Trade In’ will see BCF donate $1 from all PFD and life jacket sales to volunteer marine safety organisations across Australia, to help keep families safe over the peak holiday period. BCF marketing manager Ben McConnell said the company hoped to raise thousands of dollars during the three-week campaign and encouraged people to take extra care while on the waterways this Easter.
“There is no single more important piece of safety equipment on board a boat than a life jacket,” Mr McConnell said. “Research has shown that if PFD usage increased by 50 percent, two to three lives could be saved nationally each year. This is particularly important at this time of year, with more people typically participating in boating activities over Easter.”
Mr McConnell said BCF was passionate about helping the community enjoy the outdoors safely. “We want people to enjoy the outdoors – but have fun safely,” he said. “This campaign is designed to remind people about the importance of wearing a life jacket while allowing us to give back to the marine safety groups who dedicate their time to saving lives on the water.”
Boat users are also encouraged to trade in their old life jackets at a local BCF store to receive a 20 percent discount when buying a new model. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said it was important to consider the latest safety standards and invest in a good quality life jacket before hitting the water. “Not all life jackets are created equal,” Commissioner Tannos said. “If you haven’t used your life jacket for a long time and are planning to head out on the water this Easter, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Modern life jackets are more streamlined and offer added safety features compared to the bulky designs of the past.”
The Great PFD Trade In campaign is available in all BCF stores nationally from Thursday, March 10 to Monday, March 28, with $1 from the sale of every life jacket donated to the marine safety authority in each state.
Having life jackets aboard does not save lives..they have many prop and cons., but lives could be saved every year if people wore correctly-fitted, well- maintained lifejackets.I am impressed by the details that you have on this website.