A lifejacket is your key piece of safety equipment on the water. Like wearing a seatbelt in a moving car, a lifejacket keeps your mates and family safe if anything goes wrong.
Whether you're out in a remote spot or in sight of land, it’s crucial to have a lifejacket that provides plenty of buoyancy in case you end up in the water.
In 2016, eight people died after the fishing charter vessel *Francie* capsized crossing the Kaipara bar.
Investigations found that proper fitting lifejackets with crotch straps could have significantly increased their chance of survival. This tragedy highlights the importance of choosing the right lifejacket and using a crotch strap for bar crossings or rough conditions.
How lifejackets are used on the water is being reviewed.
This is your opportunity to have your say.
A new phase of public submissions are now open for the Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill.
The Transport and Infrastructure Committee is calling for additional public submissions on proposed changes to the Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill.
Submissions close: 11.59 pm, Wednesday 15 April 2026
Auckland Council is reviewing the Auckland Navigation Bylaw 2021.
We’re advocating for removing skipper discretion and making it clear that people must wear lifejackets on recreational watercraft when underway.
There are two main types of lifejackets for recreational boating: foam lifejackets, which float on their own, and inflatable lifejackets, which require inflation. Choosing the right lifejacket depends on who will be wearing it and the type of boating you’re doing.
Pros: They are durable, offer good hypothermia protection, have buoyant collars to help keep the head above water, and are best suited for inshore activities.
Cons: They do not turn an unconscious user onto their back and aren’t designed for rough conditions.
Who would suit foam lifejackets?
For younger kids or novice boaters, foam lifejackets are recommended, as they provide sufficient buoyancy and are easier to manage than inflatable ones, which are better suited to those older than 14 and more comfortable in the water.
Pros: Comfortable and lightweight, they provide at least 150N of buoyancy (some models up to 300N), and are designed to keep the wearer upright if unconscious.
Cons: They require annual servicing, and the gas cylinder must be replaced after inflation. These jackets can also be punctured.
For low-speed activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), slim buoyancy vests are ideal, providing freedom of movement and good protection. However, for higher-speed water sports like jet skiing or tubing, buoyant lifejackets with extra protection against high-impact wipeouts are recommended.
A crotch strap ensures the lifejacket doesn’t ride up when you’re in the water, which can be dangerous, especially if the lifejacket is too big. While some lifejackets come with crotch straps, others can be fitted with an adjustable one-size-fits-all crotch strap from your local marine retailer.
Crotch Straps for Kids
Ensure children’s lifejackets fit snugly and come with crotch straps to prevent riding up in the water. Don’t be tempted to buy one for them to “grow into.” A poorly fitted lifejacket can easily slip over their head in an emergency.
Once you've chosen the right type of lifejacket, it's essential to ensure it fits properly.
Lifejackets should feel snug as a hug.
For Adults
It should fit snugly, like a good coat, without being too large or small.
Check that you can do up the buckles easily and that the jacket provides sufficient buoyancy (measured in Newtons).
Inshore lifejackets must have at least 71N of buoyancy, while open water lifejackets should provide 150N.
For Kids
Avoid buying a lifejacket that’s too large. Instead, buy one that fits snugly without too much space.
A good rule is to ensure no more than two finger-widths between the shoulders and the jacket. Lift your child by the lifejacket, if they slip out, it’s too big!
A lifejacket, like any piece of safety equipment, won’t last forever. However, with proper care, you can extend its lifespan.
These jackets require more maintenance:
Watch the video below for everything you need to know about caring for your inflatable lifejacket.
Remember, your lifejacket is the most important piece of equipment when you're on the water.
Whether you’re kayaking, fishing, or out with the family, wearing a well-maintained lifejacket could save your life.
