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Everyone aboard a recreational craft six metres or shorter will be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket under legislation passed by Parliament this week.
Shane Reti’s Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill passed on 2 September.
The Bill first appeared on the Ballot in 2013 before being drawn in the name of Cameron Brewer last year.
The changes will come into effect 28 days after the Bill receives Royal Assent, meaning the new rule will be in place for the peak summer season.
In 2025, 17 people died in recreational craft incidents. Twelve of those people were found not to be wearing a lifejacket.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager welcomed the bill’s passage, describing it as a long-overdue step towards improving safety on the water.
“These are tragic and preventable deaths. This legislation creates one clear, simple national rule for everyone to follow, which is a common-sense and long overdue change.
“Lifejackets save lives, and making sure boaties wear one while out on the water is essential if we want to reduce the number of drownings in New Zealand.”
Maritime NZ will lead coordinated implementation planning alongside sector partners, so people receive clear, practical and nationally consistent information about what the change means for them, their families and their time on the water.
“The message for anyone heading out on a boat this summer remains simple: wear a properly fitted lifejacket, carry two reliable forms of communication and check the weather forecast,” Meager said.
Safer Boating Forum chair Sharyn Forsyth said 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 said.
“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.”
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana chief executive Carl McOnie said 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,” he said.
Water Safety New Zealand said drowning fatality data is undeniable.
Chief executive Glen Scanlon said 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,” he said.
The change will be administered by regulators; Maritime NZ, police and Harbourmasters.
Maritime NZ principal advisor, recreational craft, Matt Wood said 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.
“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.”
