Coastguard New Zealand has launched its Old4New nationwide campaign, offering boaties the chance to hand over their old lifejackets for a discount on brand new ones.

The Coastguard Old4New van will be visiting popular locations and boat ramps over the summer months encouraging boaties to check and, if necessary, change the lifejackets in their craft.

The Old4New van will be at the Bowentown Boating Club on Wednesday, December 19 from 3pm to 6pm and at the Maketu boat ramp on Monday January 28 from 1pm to 4pm.

Lifejackets older than 10 years should be replaced due to sun and seawater damage as well as general wear and tear, says Coastguard Chief Executive Patrick Holmes.

'Even if older jackets look good, they may not be seaworthy and won't even float. Many people may still be using jackets filled with kapok- a fluffy plant-like fibre that will actually absorb water,” says Patrick.

'These are extremely dangerous and should be destroyed immediately and replaced with a new one.

'Lifejackets, including inflatable versions, should be checked every year – and if people don't know what signs of age or damage to look for – they can get them checked at the Old4New van this summer.

'The more old, damaged and dangerous jackets that are removed the better.”

Since the Old4New campaign began in 2014, more than 10,000 jackets have been traded and upgraded.

This is the third year the campaign has been run nationwide.

Check out the Old4new van schedule of visits on www.old4new.nz or contact 0800 BOATIE (262843)

For people unable to visit the Old4New van, retailer Boating and Outdoors if offering trade-in deals at their stores nationwide during the campaign.