Aotearoa, 22 December 2025 - Coastguard expects a busy summer on the water and is urging all water users to prioritise safety this festive season.
Last summer was among the busiest on record for Coastguard volunteers, who responded to 1,269 incidents, up nearly 3% on the post-COVID average. Alarmingly, major life-threatening incidents rose by 26% compared to the previous summer, highlighting the growing number of serious situations crews are facing.
“Summer is a time to make fun, happy memories - boating, jetskiing, kayaking - but sadly, too many people aren’t making it home after a day on the water,” Coastguard CEO Carl McOnie said.
“Accidents can happen even when you’ve got the right gear and done the right planning. By always wearing a lifejacket, carrying two forms of waterproof communication, and making a trip report - especially when crossing a bar - you give our volunteers the best chance to reach you quickly and bring you home safely.”
Among those who know just how quickly things can go wrong are two elderly brothers who survived a terrifying incident on Lake Rotoiti in March. While attempting to tow a vessel that was taking on water, their own boat was pulled under, plunging them into the cold lake within seconds. The experienced boaties had no time to reach their lifejackets and spent more than an hour in the water, kept afloat only by a seat cushion and two bags before help arrived.
Reflecting on the incident, Ian said it has changed his life forever and has a message for boaties this summer.
“It happened in seconds. You won’t have time to think; you won’t have time to grab anything. The only thing that will save you is wearing a lifejacket. We’ve learned a lesson, and I have to say it was a lesson we were extremely lucky to survive.”
Their experience is a powerful reminder ahead of summer that lifejackets should be worn at all times and that even well-intentioned tows can quickly turn dangerous. What seems like a simple assist can put both boats - and everyone on board - at risk. If people are ever unsure, call Coastguard on the local VHF channel or *500 on mobile. Coastguard volunteers are trained, equipped, and ready to respond, so a good deed doesn’t turn into a life-threatening situation.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Supporting Coastguard and Old4New
There are plenty of ways people can support Coastguard this summer.
- For those heading out on our beautiful coastlines, lakes and rivers, Coastguard Membership is essential. For just $150, membership offers free non-urgent assistance - covering issues like running out of fuel or flat batteries - small problems that can ruin an adventure. Coastguard | Coastguard Membership: Boat Assistance & Exclusive…
- Our friendly volunteers up and down Aotearoa will be out in their communities selling Summer Lottery tickets. Every ticket sold helps Coastguard ensure volunteers have the resources they need to save lives. Coastguard | Buy Coastguard Lottery Tickets and Win Amazing Prizes
- Coastguard, in partnership with Hutchwilco, has refreshed its flagship water safety initiative Old4New, making lifejacket upgrades easier than ever before. From 1 January to 28 February 2026, the initiative moves beyond one-day pop-up events to an eight-week, in-store campaign at Hunting & Fishing New Zealand’s 40 locations nationwide. This gives the public more time and more locations to access discounts and ensure they have modern, reliable lifejackets. Click here for more information.
Operational updates
- Coastguard Mangawhai is now operational for a summer trial, boosting capability in a major boating hotspot. On December 17, volunteers completed their first callout, rescuing three people and three dogs from a vessel in distress off Hen (Taranga) Island.
- Coastguard have a presence in Akaroa this summer, with volunteers from Canterbury and other South Island units ready to support the Banks Peninsula boating community each weekend.
