New Zealand has a new national rule for life jackets on watercraft 6 metres and under. It's important that you know your requirements if you're heading out on a boat, kayak, jetski or paddleboard this summer.
From 9 October 2026, everyone on board a small recreational craft must wear a life jacket while it's moving. Here's what that means for you.
The Basics
- From 9 October 2026, everyone on board a recreational craft 6 metres or under must wear a life jacket while the craft is moving.
- This applies to small boats, dinghies, kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats and jetskis.
- The skipper is responsible for making sure everyone on board complies.
- A small number of activities are exempt, covered below.
Why This Rule Came About
New Zealand has never had one single national rule for wearing life jackets. Until now, it's depended on which region you're in, with 18 different local bylaws in place around the country.
The rule actually started out as a bill focused just on protecting children under 15 on the water. But when the numbers were looked at properly, they told a different story: since 2015, 8 children under 15 have died in boating incidents in New Zealand, compared to 161 people over 15. That's why the rule was widened to cover everyone on board, not just kids.
The urgency behind it is real. In 2025 alone, 17 people died in recreational boating incidents, and 12 of those 17 weren't wearing a life jacket. Most boating deaths in New Zealand happen on smaller craft, which is a big part of why this rule specifically targets vessels 6 metres and under. Officials estimate the change could save an average of 10 lives every year.
Who Does This Apply To?
This applies to everyone on board, adults and children alike. If you're on a recreational craft 6 metres or under, you need to wear a life jacket while it's moving. That includes:
- Small boats and dinghies
- Kayaks and canoes
- Paddleboards (except SUP surfing with a leash, see exemptions)
- Jetskis
- Sailboats
You don't need to wear one while the craft is anchored, tied to a dock, aground, or made fast to shore. The moment you're moving again, it goes back on.
Boats over 6 metres are not affected by this new rule.
What's Exempt?
A few specific activities are exempt from wearing a life jacket:
- Surfing
- Sailboarding or windsurfing, if wearing a wetsuit
- Diving close to shore, if wearing a wetsuit
- SUP surfing, if attached to the board with a leash
- Swimming from the craft, such as jumping in for a dip
- Training for or competing in an approved sporting event
Outside of these, if you're on a small craft and it's moving, wear your life jacket.
What Counts as a Life Jacket?
Maritime NZ doesn't prescribe a specific style or Newton rating for each activity. What it does require is that whatever you're wearing:
- Meets an approved standard (NZS 5823:2005, or an accepted international equivalent)
- Is properly secured
- Is the right size for the wearer's weight range
A vest-style life jacket, a buoyancy aid, or a belt-style inflatable PFD can all meet these requirements, but the right choice comes down to what you're actually doing. Choosing a device built for your activity matters just as much as ticking the compliance box.
An uncertified pool float or low-buoyancy swim aid won't meet the approved standard at all. On the other end, a full boating life jacket is unnecessarily bulky for something like paddleboarding. Matching your PFD to your activity is the difference between gear that's genuinely useful if something goes wrong and gear that just meets the minimum.
As a general guide:
- Boating on harbours, lakes or coastal waters: a life jacket with 71N or more, designed to turn an unconscious person face-up
- Kayaking, SUP or sailing in calm, sheltered waters: a buoyancy aid around 50 to 60N, built for freedom of movement
- Offshore or open ocean: 100 to 150N, built for rough conditions
For a full breakdown of Newton ratings and which PFD suits which activity, see our guide to life jackets and buoyancy aids.
We recommend using a life jacket or PFD that provides enough buoyancy in an emergency for your chosen water activity. If you're not sure whether your current gear complies or which is right for you, check the certification on the device itself, or get in touch with our team and we'll help you find the right fit. Browse our full range of life jackets and PFDs at Swim Safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new life jacket rule start in NZ?
The new rule takes effect on 9 October 2026.
Do I need to wear a life jacket on a kayak or paddleboard now?
Yes. The new rule applies to kayaks and paddleboards along with all other recreational craft 6 metres or under. SUP surfing is exempt if you're attached to the board with a leash.
Do I need to wear a life jacket while anchored?
No. A life jacket is only required while the craft is moving. You don't need one while at anchor, tied to a dock, aground, or made fast to shore.
Who is responsible for making sure everyone wears a life jacket?
The skipper, or person in charge of the craft, is responsible for making sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket while the vessel is moving.
Does this rule apply to boats over 6 metres?
The new wearing rule applies specifically to craft 6 metres or under. This doesn't mean life jackets aren't required at all on larger boats. Existing rules still apply regardless of vessel size, including carrying enough life jackets on board for everyone, and wearing one at times of heightened risk or when being towed for activities like water skiing or wakeboarding.
Does this apply to children as well as adults?
Yes. The rule applies to everyone on board, regardless of age, while the craft is moving.
What happens if I don't wear a life jacket under the new rule?
Specific penalties for breaching the new rule haven't been finalised yet, and won't be until after it takes effect. In the meantime, Maritime NZ has said the initial focus will be on educating people about the change rather than enforcement. That said, existing laws still apply, so serious non-compliance that results in harm can still be prosecuted under other maritime offences.
What type of life jacket do I need?
The right life jacket or PFD depends on what you're doing. A vest-style life jacket with 71N or more suits boating, a buoyancy aid around 50 to 60N suits kayaking, SUP or sailing in sheltered waters, and higher-rated gear from 100 to 150N is needed offshore. Whatever you choose, it must meet an approved standard, fit correctly and be properly secured. For guidance on choosing the right one for your activity, see our guide to life jackets and buoyancy aids.
Getting ready for the new rule? Browse our full range of life jackets and PFDs at Swim Safe, and read our guide to New Zealand's Water Safety Code for more on staying safe on the water.