Coastguard begs kiwis to just wear it.
This year has been one of New Zealand’s worst for drownings in boating incidents, with only one of the 17 fatalities wearing a lifejacket, according to Water Safety New Zealand data.1
As summer approaches and Kiwis get out on the water, Coastguard is urging everyone to carry out one simple step before hitting the water: just wear your lifejacket. Shockingly, out of the six land-based fishing drownings this year, five people weren’t wearing lifejackets or had any available. Coastguard Head of Operations Rob McCaw says the charity is astounded that people are still not making this one simple behaviour change. “Lifejackets save lives. We’ve seen far too many preventable tragedies, and the message is simple: if you’re on the water, wear a lifejacket.” Across nine weeks this past winter, there were five incidents and nine fatalities – none of those who drowned were wearing a lifejacket.
Water safety doesn’t just concern one group; it affects all. Between 2014 and 2023, 18% of all drowning incidents involved Māori, making them the second-highest ethnicity affected, after NZ Europeans (49%). 15% of drownings involved Pacific people, and 6% involved the Asian community.
“It’s not just about boaties or open water,” Rob continued. “We’re urging everyone – jet skiers, paddle boarders, rock fishers and kayakers – to wear fit-for-purpose lifejackets. No matter what your waka, make sure that you are prepared on the water, whether it’s a lake, a river, or the ocean.”
Only 28% of people consider themselves competent swimmers, even fewer (21%) in open deep water.2 Men consider themselves more competent than women, but ironically, most drowning fatalities are male (83%).
Over the past 12 months, Coastguard reported that in incidents where people required assistance – whether non-urgent or an emergency – only 67% involved people wearing lifejackets. An additional 29 percent had lifejackets available but were not wearing them.
Coastguard is excited to launch its Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign on November 30, featuring 74 events scheduled at summer hotspots across the country. At these events, people can exchange their old, worn-out lifejackets for discounted brand-new Hutchwilco lifejackets. Our Old4New team will also provide lifejacket advice, including fitting and servicing, along with local boating safety tips and information about education courses – making it a one-stop shop for preparing for a fun summer on the water. For more information, visit old4New.coastguard.nz.
Rob urges people to wear the right lifejacket for the occasion and person. “Too often we see children in adult lifejackets or lifejackets that are long past their best. It’s not going to help them stay alive if they fall into the water unexpectedly.”
This summer, Coastguard is also highlighting the benefits of Coastguard Membership, invaluable for Kiwi boaties seeking peace of mind on the water. Membership provides 24/7 coverage for non-urgent on-water assistance such as breakdowns, flat batteries, fuel issues, and more, helping boaties return to shore safely without incurring steep towing fees. For non-members, such assistance could cost up to $350 an hour.
Adding to the excitement, Coastguard’s famous Summer Lottery is back, with each ticket purchased supports Coastguard’s vital lifesaving mahi, meaning buyers not only have a shot at winning one of two Extreme fishing boats and a $17,000 travel prize, but also contribute to supporting our units. Local volunteers will be out in their communities selling from mid-November, or tickets can be purchased online here.
“If you’re hitting the water, make it a Coastguard summer and stay safe out there,” Rob said.
