Mandatory Lifejackets Save Lives | Auckland News

Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 3, 2026 · 1m

A landmark new law just passed in Parliament requiring lifejackets on all small recreational boats under six meters—aiming to slash drowning deaths by making safety non-negotiable. With unanimous support, this nationwide standard replaces patchwork local rules and could save up to ten lives annually, echoing Tasmania’s 60% drop after similar measures. In 2024, 90% of boating drownings involved people without lifejackets—this law changes that. Exemptions for surfers or sports events remain, but the message is clear: wearing a lifejacket isn’t optional—it’s the simplest, most effective way to…