Time for a lifejacket upgrade? Now’s a great opportunity to check your lifejackets for worn straps, faded fabric, broken buckles, or a lifejacket that no longer fits. If you’re not sure, bring it in from 16 Nov, and talk to the friendly team at your local Hunting & Fishing NZ store.
Wearing a lifejacket is one of the simplest ways to stay safe on the water, and since 2014, more than 25,930 Kiwis have traded in their old lifejackets as part of Old4New. Last summer alone, boaties and water enthusiasts upgraded to over 1,900 new lifejackets. This season, with your help, we’d love to beat that.
WOULD YOU TRUST IT WITH YOUR FAMILY?
By Doug Dukeson
I recently opened up some inflatable lifejackets that had been sitting in my garage for a few years. What I found inside was a fairly sobering reminder that safety equipment needs attention, even when it hasn’t been used. As the accompanying photographs show, the gas cylinders were excessively rusted. Other jackets I had stored in dry bags hadn’t deteriorated quite like these, but the lesson is clear: moisture and neglected safety gear are a worrying combination.
From the outside, you might happily grab one, buckle it on and head out fishing. Open the cover, however, and your confidence quickly disappears.
Would you put a loved one in one of these and hope it inflates when needed?
The visible rust raises questions that a quick glance cannot answer. What condition is the cylinder really in? Has corrosion affected the inflation mechanism? Has the rough, rusty surface damaged the inflatable bladder alongside it? These are questions for a proper inspection, not assumptions at the boat ramp.
Maritime NZ recommends checking lifejackets before every trip, including the fabric, straps, buckles, cylinder security and any fitted readiness indicators, when fitted. Inflatable jackets need servicing at least annually, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Any cylinder corrosion warrants an immediate full service; take the jacket out of use until it has been assessed. Simply inflating it (if it inflates) doesn’t mean it will hold air or remain reliable. Storage matters too. Let lifejackets dry thoroughly before storing them, and keep them in a dry, ventilated place. A bag is no protection if dampness is trapped inside.
Fortunately, there is a timely opportunity to upgrade. Old4New is back, Coastguard lifejacket upgrade campaign. From 16 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, take your old, damaged, or ill-fitting lifejackets to any of 40 Hunting & Fishing NZ stores across New Zealand. Trade them in and SAVE up to $30 on a brand-new Hutchwilco lifejacket. This year Old4New starts earlier and runs for longer, so you’ll have plenty of time to sort your gear before summer gets underway.
The new lifejacket rule, which came into effect on 9 Oct, means everyone on a recreational craft 6 metres or less must wear a lifejacket while underway. That includes kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis and dinghies. So, it’s the perfect time to make sure all your lifejackets are up to the job. Before your next outing, open those covers and see what you actually have. Your family’s safety deserves more than “it should be right”.
For campaign details, visit www.old4new.nz
