#national: Committee to Examine Possible Lifejacket Rule for Small Recreational Boats

A parliamentary committee is set to consider whether lifejackets should become mandatory for everyone aboard small recreational boats, as lawmakers review proposed changes aimed at improving water safety across Aotearoa.

The Transport and Infrastructure Committee is currently examining legislation that focuses on the use of lifejackets on recreational craft measuring six metres or less. The proposal builds on existing maritime safety rules and aims to strengthen protections for people using smaller vessels, which are frequently involved in boating incidents.

Under current maritime rules, boat skippers must carry a correctly sized lifejacket for each person on board and ensure they are worn when conditions present heightened risk, such as rough weather or emergency situations. However, the decision about when lifejackets must be worn is often left to the skipper’s judgment or governed by varying regional bylaws.

The bill under consideration seeks to introduce stronger national expectations around lifejacket use, particularly for smaller vessels. One focus of the legislation is requiring children and young people under the age of 15 to wear lifejackets when travelling on recreational boats under six metres in length.

Safety advocates say the proposal represents an important step toward reducing preventable drownings. Data from water safety organisations shows many boating fatalities involve people who were not wearing lifejackets, and smaller craft are frequently linked to these incidents.

Advocates also point out that a clearer national rule could help remove confusion caused by different regulations across regions. Currently, some local councils require lifejackets to be worn on small vessels at all times, while other areas rely on discretionary rules based on conditions and risk levels.

The select committee process allows the public and organisations to make submissions and provide feedback on the proposed legislation before it progresses further through Parliament. Water safety groups, boating organisations and community stakeholders are expected to take part in the consultation process.

If adopted, the changes could form part of a broader effort to strengthen boating safety standards and reduce drowning incidents in Aotearoa’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters. The committee’s review will help determine whether the proposed lifejacket requirement should remain limited to children and young people or be expanded to cover all passengers on small recreational vessels.

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