Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay today launched the state’s biggest lifejacket awareness campaign to promote safe and responsible boating behaviour.

Minister Gay was joined by Aussie actor and comedian Shane Jacobson who is spear-heading a series of light-hearted films, that will run as part of a statewide lifejacket campaign running through to Easter.

“One of the hardest facts to contend with is that nine out of 10 people who drowned while boating in NSW in the last decade were not wearing a lifejacket,” Minister Gay said.

“We’re pleased to have Shane on-board as an avid water sport enthusiast to deliver our message that if your lifejacket is not on, then it can’t save you.

“The online video series called ‘That’s Not On’ features Shane getting involved in a number of on-water scenes including kayaking and fishing.

“The videos will complement the traditional newspaper, tv and radio campaign aimed at reminding people to ‘Wear A Lifejacket’ – it never ruined a day on the water’.

“Our boating safety officers are taking a zero tolerance approach this season and issuing on the spot fines to people who don’t wear their lifejacket,” Minister Gay said.

Mr Jacobson said he hopes that the campaign will help change community attitudes.

“These days, wearing a lifejacket doesn’t mean you have to look like a seventies throwback in a puffer vest.

“There’s a whole new range of lifejackets out there that are designed to suit every taste, budget and water activity, so there’s absolutely no excuse not to wear one, especially in small vessels.

“We want to see people get into the habit of putting on a lifejacket in the same way they remember to apply sunscreen – it is simple and could save their life,” Mr Jacobson said.