In response to an increasing number of preventable drownings on watercraft in New Zealand, Coastguard and Water Safety New Zealand are pleading with Kiwis to wear lifejackets while on the water this summer. 

Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death in Aotearoa and according to recent data from Water Safety New Zealand, craft-related incidents account for 31 per cent of those deaths. 

In 2022, there were 29 drowning fatalities from watercraft and 21 of the people who died weren’t wearing a lifejacket. The number of drownings in 2022 is a staggering 66 per cent higher than compared with the 10-year average. 

Coastguard CEO Callum Gillespie says too many lives are being lost unnecessarily because people aren’t wearing lifejackets.

“A lifejacket has never ruined a day on the water, but not wearing one has destroyed many lives. Drownings are a devastating event for whānau, family and friends and for our incredible volunteers who are on the frontline. These tragic deaths leave a long-lasting impact on our communities.

“We have a simple message for all watercraft users, whether you're on a boat, yacht, kayak, jet ski, SUP - whatever your waka - ‘Just Wear It’. It’s called a lifejacket for a reason and wearing one is the easiest way to keep yourself and others safe while enjoying a fun day out on the water.”

Despite the sobering statistics, research shows more than a quarter (27 per cent) of boaties surveyed aren’t ensuring everyone on board has a lifejacket that fits them, and while 86 per cent of children are wearing a correctly fitting lifejacket, a third of adults (33 per cent) are not wearing them the entire time they’re on the water. 

As to why boaties are not wearing their lifejackets, 41 per cent say they’re not concerned with the potential for drownings to occur, 46 per cent say their boat/vessel can handle rough conditions OK and a third (33 per cent) say that wearing lifejackets is inconvenient and uncomfortable.

A further 33 per cent say they simply did not want to, and a quarter say it’s too expensive to buy more lifejackets. 

This data is especially concerning when Water Safety NZ statistics suggests 20 per cent of boaties don’t check weather conditions before venturing out on the water and few New Zealanders are strong enough swimmers should they get in trouble. 

A third (30 per cent) of New Zealanders are unable to swim or are weak swimmers, and when it comes to swimming in the ocean that increases to 44 per cent unable to swim or consider themselves weak swimmers.

According to Coastguard, in the event of unexpectedly entering the water, people may have to tread water for at least 40 minutes before help arrives.

This could be hours in more remote locations.

Without a lifejacket, this is incredibly difficult and drastically reduces your chance of survival.

This was the case for a Nelson family of four whose boat was swamped by two massive waves. With their lifejackets on, they swam for over an hour to rocks after being unable to raise an alarm, and despite briefly losing sight of each other in the challenging swim.

They were eventually rescued by Coastguard and treated for hypothermia, their properly fitted lifejackets playing a crucial role in their survival.

“We were very grateful to see the Coastguard volunteers. Very exhausted, very cold and very appreciative,” says survivor Jackie.

While Water Safety data suggests most boaters (95 per cent) and jet skiers (99 per cent) agree that wearing a lifejacket should be mandatory everywhere in New Zealand, this currently isn’t the case. 

At present, lifejacket bylaws vary from region to region, with many only stipulating that lifejackets are to be available for each person onboard and worn when instructed by the skipper or during times of heightened risk such as crossing a bar.

However, Coastguard and Water Safety NZ believe it should be mandatory for everyone to wear a lifejacket on vessels 6m and under while underway and is advocating the Government to act.

Water Safety New Zealand CEO Daniel Gerrard says: “Safety on the water isn't just about personal responsibility; it's about setting a standard of care for ourselves and for those around us.

“Our message is clear: wearing a lifejacket isn't just a good practice, it's a vital step in protecting lives. Let's shift the mindset from seeing lifejackets as optional to viewing them as essential.

“Every lifejacket worn is a potential tragedy averted, and we hope to see a day when not wearing one is as unthinkable as not wearing a seatbelt in a car. This summer, let’s make ‘Just Wear It’ not just a slogan, but a universal practice on our waters.”

Coastguard New Zealand CEO Callum Gillespie adds: “Overall, New Zealanders are showing a high degree of complacency when it comes to the water, but this ‘she’ll be right’ attitude is literally killing people.

No one heads out expecting to get into trouble, but the fact we responded to 2596 incidents last year shows the unexpected happens all too often.

“We have a warm, dry and windy summer ahead, so we’re expecting it to be busy out there. We really urge all Kiwis to ‘just wear it’ and take better care on the water, and always wear a lifejacket.” 

If you need a new lifejacket or it’s time to upgrade your old one, Coastguard's hitting the road across Aotearoa from December through to February with Old4New. Find out when the Old4New van will be in your town at old4new.coastguard.nz