Who needs to wear a lifejacket under new rules this summer?

Lifejackets have become mandatory on recreational boats up to 6m in length in legislation freshly passed through Parliament.

Previous lifejacket requirements varied from region to region and the responsibility of lifejacket usage was largely left to the discretion of the skipper.

Whangārei MP Shane Reti, who introduced the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Act to Parliament, said the change will help prevent drownings.

“Passing this bill has been described as the biggest drowning prevention opportunity in a generation,” Reti said.

Officials estimate the legislation could save an average of 10 lives per year. Approximately 17 people die annually in recreational craft incidents.

For any vessel 6m long or less, wearing a well fitted lifejacket is mandatory if the recreational craft is "underway".

This means a vessel that is not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.

So they must be worn even in shallow water and close to shore.

The skipper is responsible for everyone on board.

Maritime NZ says the emphasis will be on education rather than punishment.

There is an exemption from wearing a lifejacket for surfers, sports events and stand-up paddle board (SUP) surfing.

The rules for boats over 6m in length remain the same, with a requirement to have enough lifejackets on board for the number of people.

Volunteers from Coastguard Tautiaki Moana are the ones who respond to calls for help in water-related events. Its chief executive Carl McOnie said the law change means more people will have the chance of survival.

“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.

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Maritime New Zealand's Matt Wood said the law change is good progress towards protecting Kiwis out on the water.

“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," he said.