Lifejackets will need to be worn, not just carried, on recreational craft 6 metres or less after Hon Dr Shane Reti’s bill was passed unanimously by Parliament today.
“Passing this bill has been described as the biggest drowning prevention opportunity in a generation” says Dr Reti.
The select committee heard that 15% of all drownings last year were on small recreational craft where lifejackets were not worn.
“Officials estimate that an average of 10 lives per year could be saved. Tasmania had a 60% reduction in their first year of policy introduction and we are looking for the same benefits” says Dr Reti.
There are currently various lifejacket bylaws across the country, councils with roughly half of regional councils having a bylaw like this already in place.
“Removing variability with a nationally consistent policy will benefit water users and monitoring authorities. All existing exemptions such as surfers and sports events are retained” says Dr Reti.
Maritime NZ will work with the Safer Boating Forum (including Coastguard and Water Safety NZ), and others in the sector to educate New Zealanders about the new rules.