Whether you’re using a kayak, jet boat, waka ama, yacht, jet ski or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), the key to staying safe in and on the water is knowing the safer boating rules – be it a lake, river or the ocean.

With the long weekend coming up, and a warm summer ahead, remember three key actions. Whatever your level of experience, make sure you wear a lifejacket, carry two forms of waterproof communication, and always check the forecast before heading out.

Boating stats in Canterbury: our safety risk factors

Kiwis love to be out on the water, as a Maritime New Zealand survey carried out in Q2 2023 shows, with more than half of New Zealanders being regular boaties. An estimated 12 to 14 percent of all boaties live in Waitaha Canterbury – the largest percentage after Auckland (36 to 37 percent).

Current research shows that failure to wear life jackets, followed by a lack of functioning communication devices are the risk factors most likely to contribute to death and injury on the water.

Gordon Mackay, Deputy Harbourmaster at the Harbourmaster’s Office, says that: “Most accidents can be avoided with good preparation. If the worst does happen, wearing a lifejacket is the best way to stay safe.”

Wear a lifejacket