More recreational boaties wearing lifejackets

by Vince Cholewa on 13 Jan 2016 In good news for boating safety, more recreational boaties are wearing lifejackets the entire time they are on the water.

Maritime New Zealand has released new research into recreational boating behaviour that shows in 2015 78 per cent of recreational boaties reported wearing a lifejacket the entire time they were on the water. This is up from 67 per cent in 2014, and 62 per cent in 2013.

Anecdotal evidence from Harbour Masters’ patrols over the holidays supports the research – more boaties are wearing lifejackets.

Maritime NZ Deputy Director and Chair of the Safer Boating Forum, Lindsay Sturt, said this change is important because of the tragic statistic that two-thirds of recreational boating fatalities would likely have been prevented by wearing a lifejacket.

Last year 24 people died in recreational boating accidents compared to 27 in 2014.

“The focus of our summer safer boating campaign is to encourage boaties to wear lifejackets all the time,” Mr Sturt said.

“It is encouraging that 66 per cent of boaties who recalled the ‘Get it on: Lifejackets for Life’ TV campaign actually took action as a result of seeing the advertising.

“We know about 94 per cent of boaties carry enough lifejackets for everyone on board but it is wearing them that counts. A lifejacket is no good unless it’s being worn.”

As well as its advertising campaign, Maritime NZ also publicises boating incidents to give real life examples of consequences of not taking sensible precautions and also of good boating behaviour.

“The media have a big part to play in spreading safer boating messages and we are grateful for their support,” Mr Sturt said.

Boaties’ comments reported in the survey included:

“Never took it seriously until I heard about the accidents of my peers.”

“I’ve always been safety conscious when out on the water; a bit like always wearing your seatbelt in a vehicle. But it’s nice to see that others are taking it a bit more seriously now.”

“Drownings have increased … wearing a lifejacket is an important action that could help reduce drownings.”

“I used to take wearing a lifejacket more casually when I was out with other adults; whereas now I wear one as regularly as I do when I’m with my kids.”

The research summary and report are available on the Maritime NZ website. The “Safer Boating NZ” Facebook is frequently updated with useful and interesting recreational boating information.

* Safer Boating Forum
The Safer Boating Forum was established in 2000 to coordinate and implement recreational boating safety initiatives. It is made up of government agencies and local government, water safety and recreational boating organisations, and the marine industry. The Forum's work is aimed at reducing boating injuries and fatalities and improving boat safety behaviour. Maritime NZ chairs the Forum and members include Coastguard, Jet Boating NZ, Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers, local and central government, NZ Fishing News, NZ Jet Sports Boating Association, NZ Marine Industry Association, NZ Underwater Association, Surf Lifesaving NZ, Waka Ama NZ, Water Safety NZ, WaterSafe Auckland, White Water NZ, and Yachting NZ.