It only takes a moment – a distraction, a slip – and
you’re in the water. Lifejackets save lives.
New
Zealand may have updated national legislation for
lifejackets this summer if a new Bill is considered by
Parliament before the election.
Water Safety New
Zealand and Coastguard are delighted to have confirmation
from Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee
on its unanimous cross-party support for change.
In
its original form, the Bill focused on mandatory lifejackets
for people under the age of 15 only.
Water Safety’s
Glen Scanlon said submissions supported the committee to
understand the vital step of people of all ages wearing a
lifejacket.
“Experts in the prevention and rescue
world have called for change for decades. It is incredible
news that we should get fit-for-purpose national
legislation.
“The evidence is just so strong. In the
past 25 years a total of 441 lives were lost in
craft-related incidents – the fact that 336 of these
people were not wearing a lifejacket is just overwhelming.
We can save lives through this legislation change. And we
must.”
Currently New Zealand’s national rule means
lifejackets need to be on board and ‘carried’ only.
Every regional council has individual by-laws stipulating
different requirements for use.
The re-named Maritime
Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Act
2025 would simplify the rule and make lifejackets mandatory
on underway recreational vessels 6m and under in
size.
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Coastguard Chief Executive Carl McOnie said the
water safety community had advocated for many years to amend
New Zealand’s lifejacket rules.
“We are very
pleased our message has been heard. This represents the
biggest drowning prevention opportunity in a generation.
This is a practical, evidence-based step that will save
lives.”
Waikato Regional Harbourmaster Chris
Bredenbeck described today’s confirmation as
“outstanding.”
“We have made lifejackets
mandatory in the Waikato since 2013 and we’ve seen the
results.
“Safety related laws and rules play an
important part in setting clear expectations about what
individuals can do to avoid unnecessary loss of life. The
culture change that we see on the water in the Waikato is
possible in every region.”
The Final Report of the
Transport and Infrastructure Committee is here: Lifejackets
Bill –
https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/SelectCommitteeReport/6bedad60-0ddf-478e-201d-08dedd687507?lang=en
Notes:
- The
Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill had its
first reading in Parliament on 22 October 2025. The Bill was
referred to the Transport and Infrastructure
Committee. - In March 2026 the Bill’s scope was
broadened to all ages and a second round of public
submissions were sought by mid-April. - The Bill was
introduced by National MP Cameron Brewer and has since been
picked up by Dr Shane Reti. - Drowning can almost
always be prevented. In 2025, a total of 78 New Zealanders
drowned. Seventeen of those 78 lives were people on a boat
or other sort of craft. Twelve of those 17 people were not
wearing a lifejacket.
About Water Safety
New Zealand
Water Safety New Zealand is the
lead agent for water safety and drowning prevention in New
Zealand. For more than 75 years, we’ve made it our mission
to support people and places to be safer around
water.
We do this through focused data science,
leadership, education, and advocacy. As a charity, we are
dedicated to making New Zealand’s waterways safer for
everyone.
Find out more: watersafetynz.org
About
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana
Coastguard Tautiaki
Moana is the charity dedicated to saving lives on the water.
As Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading search and rescue
service and boating education provider, we play a vital role
in keeping our communities safe.
With over 2,000
committed volunteers operating across 62 locations — from
coastlines to major lakes and rivers — we’re here
whenever and wherever help is needed.
Learn more at coastguard.nz
