Navigating Towards Safer Waters: Push for changes to Auckland's Lifejacket Bylaw In the past quarter, we have been advocating for a crucial update to Auckland's Navigational Bylaw. Currently, skippers of vessels under 6 metres have the choice of whether those on board...
Lobbying for Lifejacket Bylaw Change
Navigating Towards Safer Waters: Push for changes to Auckland’s Lifejacket Bylaw
In the past quarter, we have been advocating for a crucial update to Auckland’s Navigational Bylaw. Currently, skippers of vessels under 6 metres have the choice of whether those on board wear lifejackets. However, with a staggering 20 out of 29 boating fatalities last year involving individuals not wearing life jackets, and nearly three quarters of those having one available but not being worn, the need for change is evident.
Collaborative Advocacy Efforts:
This push for change stems from the collaborative efforts of Auckland’s Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Strategy, Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau (WOTM). The joint initiative, spearheaded by Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA) and Coastguard NZ, recently resulted in a pivotal meeting with members of the Auckland Council Regulatory Safety Committee. This meeting led to an invitation to present before the full Committee in December 2023.
Accelerated Consideration of Amendment:
The Committee agreed to expedite the consideration of the amendment, moving ahead of the initially scheduled timeline. This proactive stance signals a potential shift in the Auckland Navigational Bylaw that could significantly enhance safety on smaller boats.
National Alignment and Regional Challenges:
The proposed amendment aims to align Auckland’s Navigational Bylaw more closely with Waikato’s, where wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) is compulsory for vessels under 6 metres when underway. The current lack of consistency in bylaws across the country poses a challenge for small boat users, particularly as they navigate water spaces in neighbouring regions.
Working Groups and Collaborators:
Under the umbrella of Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau (WOTM), a dedicated working group consisting of Drowning Prevention Auckland, Coastguard NZ, Water Safety NZ, Tāmaki Makaurau Safety Collective, Fergs Kayaks, SafeKids Aotearoa, SLSNR, and MERC have achieved this outcome with previous efforts by DPA in 2014 and 2019 need to be credited in paving the way.
What’s next?:
Over the next three months, the WOTM working group aims to work with a Council sub-group to finalise the amendment and a ‘community readiness’ programme.
As Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland charts its course towards safer waters, the collective efforts of these organisations promise a positive impact on boating safety and a more consistent regulatory framework nationwide.
Radio Interview
Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau
Other news
Lobbying for Lifejacket Bylaw Change
DPA boosts water safety for ACC Have a hmm campaign
'Have a hmmm' is a constructive wero (challenge) from ACC to Aotearoa: Take action to avoid injury and keep yourself, your whānau, friends and community safe and well. DPA joined forces with ACC and sector partners to offer expertise for a series of water safety...
Kai Gathering with Te Ara a Hape
The youth group from Makaurau Marae recently completed our Kai Gathering programme which ended on a high with two open water dives at Te Kohuroa/Matheson Bay. The conditions on the day were perfect for the dive with some serious excitement levels! Prior to reaching...