Lifejacket Bill marks a major step for recreational boating safety

A nationally consistent approach to lifejacket use is one step closer, with the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill passing its third reading in Parliament this week.

The national change has been strongly supported by the recreational boating safety sector, including the New Zealand Safer Boating Forum, a network of more than 30 organisations, including Environment Canterbury, working together to reduce preventable harm on the water.

While the legislation still requires Royal Assent before it comes into force, Canterbury boaties are already familiar with similar requirements.

Under Environment Canterbury's Navigation Safety Bylaw, everyone on board a recreational vessel six metres or less in length must wear a properly fitted lifejacket while the vessel is underway.

The new national requirement will create greater consistency across New Zealand and reinforce a safety measure that has been part of Canterbury's approach for many years.

Boating safety sector welcomes lifejacket changes

Organisations tasked with keeping recreational craft users safe on the water are looking forward to support upcoming changes to lifejacket legislation which completed its third reading in Parliament this week.

This is an important step towards reducing preventable harm on the water.

Following this and once it comes into force, everyone on recreational craft six metres in length and under will need to wear a properly fitted lifejacket when the craft is underway.

Safer Boating Forum Chair Sharyn Forsyth acknowledges the work of the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee and says a clear national requirement for water users on these craft will strengthen one of the sector’s most important safety messages.

“This is a big step for recreational craft safety. The Forum’s members share one goal: helping people enjoy the water and come home safely,” she says.

Lifejackets save lives

“Tragically, on average, 17 people die each year in recreational craft incidents. Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket is a simple action that can make the difference when someone unexpectedly ends up in the water.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the sector for the significant effort invested over many years in helping make this positive change a reality,” says Ms Forsyth.

Coastguard responds to calls for help on the water year-round and knows how much rides on whether a lifejacket was worn.

Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, CEO Carl McOnie says the change will mean far more people have the chance of survival when something goes wrong on the water.

“Every year our volunteers see the heartbreak of preventable tragedies. A lifejacket keeps someone afloat and visible, and that is what gives our crews the chance to reach them alive, and bring them home to their loved ones,” McOnie says.

Water Safety New Zealand says drowning fatality data is undeniable. Lifejackets save lives on the water.

Water Safety NZ, Chief Executive Glen Scanlon says the change will support a lifejacket-wearing culture.

“A lifejacket cannot help if it is not being worn. This change, once confirmed, is an opportunity to make lifejacket wearing a normal part of every trip on small recreational craft,” Scanlon says.

The change will be administered by regulators; Maritime NZ, police and Harbourmasters.

What the change means for Canterbury

One of the most diverse regions in the country is Canterbury, with lakes, rivers and coastal recreational spots.

Canterbury Deputy Harbourmaster, Gordon McKay says the change will make it easier for people to understand what is expected on the water.

“A clear national rule will support the work harbourmasters do in their communities to educate all recreational craft users and prevent harm. Simple actions like wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, understanding the conditions and knowing your limits can make all the difference,” Mr McKay says.

Maritime NZ Principal Advisor, Recreational Craft, Matt Wood says it is good to see the sector working together to support the change. 

“We know this will assist in reducing harm on the water and we are working collaboratively with our safer boating partners to ensure everyone heading out knows what the new rule will be.

Prepare before heading out

“We encourage people to prepare now. Check that everyone has the right size and type of lifejacket, that it fits properly and that it is in good condition. Wear it, carry two waterproof ways to call for help, and check the marine weather forecast.”

“We want everyone to enjoy their time on the water and come home safe,” Matt Wood says.