Boat Safety

Boating is a popular summer activity in our district, but it's important you know the rules and how to be courteous of other boaties.

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Lifejackets

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Tips

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Call Centre

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Lifejackets

Lifejackets – also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), and buoyancy vests – come in a variety of designs and sizes. It’s important to wear the right one in the right situation. It could save your life. All life jackets and PFDs should meet the NZ5823 standards. 

Lifejackets do more than help you float. A good lifejacket will turn you on your back and help to keep your head and airway clear of the water even if your strength wanes or you become unconscious. It will also make it easier for you to stay in a position that reduces heat loss. Find out more from Maritimenz.govt.nz 

QLDC rules state that you must have enough lifejackets/PFDs for every person on board whenever the vessel is underway. PFDs must be: 

  • readily accessible 

  • the right size for each person on board 

  • suitable for the activity you’re undertaking 

  • in good working condition 

If your vessel is less than six metres long, everyone on board must wear a lifejacket/PFD at all times. 

Tips

Safety is no accident. We've got some simple advice below to help you and your family stay safe in the water during the summer months:

  • Know what to do in an emergency. If you have a phone, dial 111 and ask for Police. If you’re out on the water and have a VHF radio, call Channel 16 and issue a Mayday call by saying “mayday, mayday, mayday” three times and state your vessel name and location. Then repeat. VHF Channel 5 can be used for emergency radio communications on Lake Whakatipu. Use VHF channel 66 on Lake Wanaka and VHF channel 4 on Lake Hawea.

  • For non-emergency Coastguard matters such as a broken-down vessel, call *500.

  • Check your boat, engine and equipment before heading out onto the water.

  • Check the weather forecast before leaving.

  • Always tell someone where you're going and when you plan to return.

  • Know the rules – get a copy of the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025
    Te Ture ā-Rohe mō te Haumaru Whakatere 2025 (PDF, 9.91MB)

  • Never overload the boat.

  • Make sure there are enough lifejackets on board for everyone on the boat.

  • Make sure you have an anchor, bailer, spare fuel, torch and warm clothing on the boat.

  • Avoid alcohol.

  • Always have two means of communication, for example - a mobile phone and flares.

Coastguard 24 Hour Call Centre

Queenstown Coastguard has a free 24 hour call centre service for non urgent but assistance required calls. 

If you need Coastguard assistance on the water, please dial *500 on your cellphone. This will be answered by Coastguard's 24hr call centre, where they will take the call, activate pagers and get you the assistance required. 

Please note: *500 only works from a cellphone. 

For all emergencies, please call 111. 

Related Content

Navigation Safety Bylaw

Information regarding the Navigation Safety Bylaw, including FAQs.