The proposed Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill presents the most significant drowning prevention opportunity in a generation, say Water Safety New Zealand and Coastguard Tautiaki Moana.
Public surveys, fatality data, and incident levels show regional differences in lifejacket rules are confusing and put lives at risk. Water Safety NZ and Coastguard are calling for New Zealanders to support a single, consistent national rule requiring lifejackets to be worn by everyone, of all ages, on recreational boats and craft.
The proposed legislation focuses on mandatory lifejackets for people under 15. While supporting the Bill’s intention, water safety experts are calling for public submissions to make the Bill stronger and seize the opportunity to save lives.
"Millions of Kiwis enjoy the water on boats and crafts in every part of the country," says Water Safety NZ's Glen Scanlon. "The facts around lifejackets are simply indisputable – they are the single most effective way to prevent the harm and suffering experienced by far too many families and communities from preventable drownings."
So far in 2025, 10 people have drowned on boats or other craft without wearing a lifejacket. Between 2000 and 2024 more than 320 people drowned in a boat or craft incident who were not wearing a lifejacket. Analysis shows 12 lives could be saved, every year, if wearing lifejackets were part of safety culture like cycle helmets and seatbelts.
“One national rule will remove confusion, make it simple for everyone to do the right thing, and ultimately save lives,” Scanlon says.
Coastguard’s CEO Carl McOnie says adults - particularly men over 40 - make up the majority of craft-related fatalities.
“These aren’t just demographics; they’re fathers, brothers, uncles, friends. Every year, our Coastguard volunteers witness the heartbreak of preventable tragedies - families waiting on shore, lives changed forever. A lifejacket can turn a tragedy into a rescue, or at least enable us to bring a person home to be farewelled properly. This law is about giving every Kiwi that chance.”
Submissions for the Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill close on Thursday, 11 December 2025. Individuals can make a submission through the Parliament website and are encouraged to include the following message:
“I support the views of Water Safety New Zealand and Coastguard Tautiaki Moana. This Bill is a positive step, but must be extended to apply to people of ALL ages on ALL recreational craft. A single national rule will save lives and remove the confusing patchwork of regional rules.”
This is a pivotal moment for water safety culture in New Zealand. Legislation has proven effective before – the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act in 1987 reduced child pool drownings by almost 80%.
Whether you’re a boatie, a parent, a recreational water user, or simply someone who cares about others – your voice matters. Please help send a loud and clear message from the water safety community – we need one consistent national law for lifejackets to save lives.
Submissions here: www3.parliament.nz/life-jackets-for-children-and-young-persons-bill
For more information visit coastguard.nz/lifejacketcallforchange and watersafetynz.org/staying-safe/lifejacket-call-for-change
Notes:
- The majority of drownings involve adults, not children.
- Incidents happen suddenly and unexpectedly.
- Most people who drown from craft incidents aren’t wearing a lifejacket.
- A lifejacket gives you time – and time is what saves your life.
