From today, everyone on board a recreational craft six metres or less must wear a properly fitted lifejacket while the craft is underway.
This is a significant change that will improve safety on recreational craft.
Tragically, an average of 17 people die each year in recreational craft incidents, with around two-thirds not wearing properly fitted lifejackets.
The Safer Boating Forum welcomes the new national requirement and has a simple message for everyone heading out on the water: put your lifejacket on before you get underway.
Safer Boating Forum Chair Sharyn Forsyth says the sector is looking forward to seeing more people wearing properly fitted lifejackets whenever they use small recreational craft.
“Lifejackets save lives. From today, wearing one is not only the safe choice; it is required on recreational craft six metres or less while underway.
“Forum members have worked together to support this positive change. We now want to see people make wearing a properly fitted lifejacket a normal part of every trip,” she says.
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana Chief Executive Carl McOnie says a lifejacket gives rescuers a better chance of bringing someone home.
“Things can go wrong quickly on the water. Our volunteers see first-hand the difference a lifejacket makes. It keeps you afloat and visible, buying vital time for help to reach you,” Mr McOnie says.
Water Safety New Zealand Chief Executive Glen Scanlon says the law change is a critical step towards creating a lifejacket-wearing culture.
“A lifejacket cannot save your life if you are not wearing it. Today’s change will help make wearing a lifejacket as automatic in people’s minds as putting on a seatbelt in their vehicle. But, there’s plenty of work ahead to get there.”
Maritime NZ Principal Advisor, Recreational Craft, Matt Wood says the risk is too great to ignore the importance of wearing a properly fitted lifejacket.
Before heading out, people should check they have enough lifejackets on their vessel, that they are the right size for everyone on board, and should only go out if they have enough for everyone.
“Maritime NZ and the rest of the Safer Boating Forum
wants everyone to enjoy their time on the water and come
home safely. Wearing a lifejacket is a simple action that
saves lives,” Matt Wood says.
The requirement applies across New Zealand to recreational craft including motorboats, dinghies, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards and jet skis, subject to existing exceptions. Existing requirements to carry enough correctly sized lifejackets, wear them at times of heightened risk and meet skipper safety responsibilities also continue.
Before heading out, wear a properly fitted lifejacket, carry two waterproof ways to call for help and check the marine weather forecast. Current guidance and frequently asked questions are available on the Maritime NZ website.
Compliance will be managed through an educational approach over the coming months, supported by co-regulators such as harbourmasters and police.
Originally published by Yachting New Zealand.
