Source: Safer Boating Forum
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. The Bill must now receive the Royal assent before it becomes law. 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.
“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.
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.
“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.
NOTE
The Safer Boating Forum is a national network of more than 30 organisations working together to reduce preventable harm on the water. Maritime NZ leads the Forum and will coordinate implementation communications with Forum members and co-regulators.
Maritime NZ is publishing commencement information and practical guidance on its website: Maritime NZ lifejacket changes guidance