A significant change to New Zealand’s water safety rules comes into effect today (9 October 2026), requiring everyone on board recreational craft six metres or less in length to wear a properly fitted lifejacket while underway.
The new law applies nationwide and includes kayaks, paddleboards, dinghies, small sailing boats and motorboats. For the Canoe Racing New Zealand and wider paddling community, it is an important change to understand as we head into the warmer months and a busy summer of paddling.
What has changed?
Previously, lifejackets generally had to be carried for everyone on board, with wearing requirements applying in situations of heightened risk and certain activities. Local rules could also differ between regions.
Under the new national requirement, everyone on board a recreational craft measuring six metres or less must wear an appropriately sized lifejacket while the craft is underway.
The rule applies across all New Zealand waterways, including lakes, rivers, harbours and coastal waters. It is designed to establish a clear, consistent approach to lifejacket use and reduce preventable harm on the water.
Compliance can be enforced by police, regional councils, harbourmasters and various Maritime NZ employees, alongside other maritime rules.
Maritime NZ reports that an average of 17 people die each year in recreational craft incidents, with around two-thirds not wearing properly fitted lifejackets. The new requirement aims to make wearing a lifejacket a routine part of getting out on the water.
What does this mean for kayakers and paddlers?
For many paddlers, wearing a lifejacket is already standard practice. However, for many in our community and clubs, this will be a change in practice.
For paddlers using kayaks six metres or less in length, the key message is it now a requirement to wear a correctly fitted lifejacket at all times while paddling, regardless of age, ability, type of craft or waterway.
A lifejacket must meet an approved standard, be in serviceable condition and fit the wearer properly. It is important to check that the lifejacket is suitable for the paddler’s size and the activity being undertaken.
What about recreational craft over 6m in length?
In recreational craft over 6m in length, it remains a requirement to carry correctly fitting lifejackets for everyone on board.
However, lifejackets must be worn in times of heightened risk eg stormy weather, rough conditions. It is the skipper’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the people and vessel.
Lifejackets remain just one part of staying safe
While the law change is an important step, wearing a lifejacket does not remove the need to prepare properly for every paddle.
Maritime NZ recommends that people heading out on the water:
- Wear a correctly fitted lifejacket.
- Carry two waterproof ways to call for help.
- Check the marine weather forecast before departing.
- Ensure lifejackets are in good condition and suitable for the activity.
- Assess conditions, paddler ability and the risks of the planned paddle.
These precautions are relevant across all paddling disciplines.
For the full details, including exemptions and frequently asked questions, visit Maritime NZ’s lifejacket rule guidance.
