It’s estimated more than two-thirds of boating fatalities in NZ may have been prevented if lifejackets were worn, so follow the rules and stay safe.
It doesn’t matter if you won’t be far from shore, you think you’re a strong swimmer or you’re worried you’ll look silly, there’s no excuse for not wearing one. Regardless of whether you’re on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), kayak, boat, jetski or any other watercraft, the same rules apply.
For recreational craft 6 metres or less while underway:
A correctly fitting lifejacket must be worn by everyone onboard any recreational craft 6 metres or less while underway.
The rule applies to all people using paddleboards, jet skis, dinghies, trailer sailors and powerboats.
Any person being towed, must wear a securely fastened lifejacket, such as when waterskiing or wakeboarding.
Must carry enough correctly fitting lifejackets for everyone onboard.
Lifejackets must be worn in situations of heightened risk such as when crossing a bar, in rough weather, or during an emergency.
New legislation has recently passed that will introduce a consistent lifejacket rule across all New Zealand waters. The Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Act, due to come into effect on 9 October will also require properly-fitted lifejackets to be worn by everyone onboard any recreational craft 6 metres or less while underway and is consistent with the new Bay of Plenty lifejacket rule.
Life jackets come in different styles, buoyancy levels and sizes. The best choice depends on your activity, where you are boating, how far you will be from shore, your swimming ability and your body weight.
Life jackets need regular care and checks. Foam life jackets are generally simple to maintain, while inflatable lifejackets need extra care and regular servicing, so they work when needed.
Children need a lifejacket that fits them now. Do not buy a larger size for them to grow into. If a lifejacket is too loose, a child may slip out of it in the water.
Many children’s life jackets include adjustable crotch straps to help stop the jacket riding up. These straps should always be fitted and secured.
Inflatable life jackets are not recommended for children under 12.
Multi-purpose foam lifejackets
These are comfortable options for adults and children taking part in activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, dinghy sailing and general boating close to shore.
They help keep you afloat while you tread water or swim to safety.
They usually have lower buoyancy than other jacket types, so they are not ideal for coastal or offshore voyages.
Easy to care for and do not require servicing.
Paddle-style foam life jackets – paddle sports
These life jackets are designed specifically for paddle sports.
They are comfortable to wear and often include small pockets.
Best suited to paddling close to shore or in sheltered water.
Not ideal for coastal or offshore waters.
Easy to care for and do not require servicing.
Impact foam lifejackets for high-speed and tow sports
Designed for activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, winging and foiling.
Made to fit snugly and stay secure during falls at speed.
Choose a model designed to be impact resistant, with a zip and multiple buckles.
Many include a strong attachment point for a kill cord. If not, attach the kill cord around one of the webbing belts.
Are not ideal for open-water or offshore passages.
Easy to look after and do not require servicing.
Foam lifejackets - general boating
Designed for adults and children taking part in general boating activities in calm, inshore waters.
Usually have higher buoyancy than paddle-style or impact-style lifejackets and often include a crotch strap.
Are comfortable to wear, easy to care for and do not require servicing.
Manual inflatable lifejackets – general boating, coastal & offshore trips
Have high buoyancy and are a lightweight, comfortable option for general boating, coastal trips and offshore passages.
They do not inflate automatically, so the wearer must know how to activate them.
They are not suitable for activities where the wearer is likely to get wet.
They are not suitable for children.
They need extra care, pre-trip checks and regular servicing.
Automatic inflatable lifejackets – general boating, coastal & offshore trips
Best for general boating, especially in open water, coastal or offshore conditions.
Have high buoyancy and are designed to inflate automatically if the wearer ends up in the water, including if they are unconscious.
Some models have clear inspection windows to check cartridge and gas cylinder status.
They need extra care and regular servicing.
Manual waist-belt inflatable lifejackets – Paddleboarding
Have a high buoyancy rating and can be comfortable for activities such as paddleboarding.
They must be manually removed from the pouch, placed over the head and inflated before they provide support.
Not recommended for children and are best for people who understand how to use them in an emergency.
Inflatable lifejackets need extra care, pre-trip checks and regular servicing.
