Out on the boat? Lifejackets on

With Labour Weekend marking the start of the boating season for many people, Waikato Regional Council is reminding everyone heading out on the water to make safety their top priority.

National lifejacket rules have changed so people on vessels six metres and under must wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) while underway. The requirement also applies to jet skis and paddle craft, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The national change brings the rest of the country into line with the rule already in place in the Waikato region since 2013.

Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck said Labour Weekend is a good time for boaties to check their safety gear before getting back on the water.

"Lifejackets save lives, but they need to be the right size, fit properly and be in good condition to meet the requirements. If your lifejacket doesn’t fit, it might as well be painted on.

"Don't leave your lifejacket sitting in the boat. Put it on before you head out and make sure everyone else on board does the same," Chris said.

Water Safety New Zealand's latest drowning prevention report says 94 per cent of craft-related fatalities involved people who were not wearing lifejackets.

Different activities may require different types of PFD. For example, a paddler or stand-up paddleboarder may need greater freedom of movement than someone boating in rougher conditions.

Maritime New Zealand provides guidance on choosing the appropriate lifejacket and advice on how to check your lifejacket meets current standards. As a rule, if your lifejacket is 10 years old, it should be replaced as they deteriorate over time.

Before heading out on the water, consider what to do if things don’t go to plan. "Take a few minutes before you leave home to make sure your lifejackets fit, your safety equipment is ready, and everyone knows the plan,” Chris said.

"We want everyone who heads out on the water this Labour Weekend to have a great time and, most importantly, come home safely," he concluded.

Waikato Regional Council maritime officers will be out on the water helping people understand the rules as the busy summer boating season gets underway.