Lifejacket Record Puts Spotlight on Safety

05-Aug-2010
Jessica Watson, Ports and Waterways Minister Paul McLeay and the boating industry set a provisional world record of 415 lifejackets inflated at once in the one location, putting the spotlight on safety.

Jessica Watson and Mr McLeay led the countdown for industry guests attending the Sydney International Boat Show official opening function, instantly creating a sea of people in yellow.

Mr McLeay said the record was set around 9:35am Friday 30 July at the Sydney International Boat Show.

“The previous record had been set in North America on 20 May this year by 86 people in Columbus Ohio simultaneously inflating their lifejackets,” Mr McLeay said.

“We’ll be submitting our result of 415 people to the National Safe Boating Council for ratification.

Mr McLeay said this was more than just a ‘feel-good’ end to the Boat Show’s annual breakfast function, it served to highlight important safety messages about lifejackets.

“A lifejacket can’t save your life unless you’re wearing it and this is a fun way to promote the ‘Wear It!’ message.

“It’s also important that people are familiar with their lifejackets functionality. The first time you ever try to inflate a lifejacket shouldn’t be when you’re in an emergency.

“New rules being introduced on 1 November this year will require children under 12 years and boaters in heightened risk situations to wear lifejackets.”
For more information:
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/lifejacket.html