There were goosebumps and giggles, but the 27 volunteers who took a plunge into chilly water today are hoping to raise awareness of a deadly issue.
Twenty-seven people - one for each boatie who died in accidents on the water last year - jumped into Wellington Harbour.
Organisers of the event planned to raise awareness about water safety as Safer Boating Week started.
Leaping off the wharf in his shirt and tie, Duncan Ferner said he was happy to take the plunge, even though it was a bit icy.
"Yeah, it was pretty cold," the New Zealand Search and Rescue secretariat manager said. "Once was enough for me."
The jumpers were kitted out with lifejackets.
Maritime New Zealand director Keith Manch said 90 per cent of people who died in recreational boating accidents were men. Many of those deaths were preventable, he said.
"Two-thirds of the people are likely to have survived if they had worn lifejackets," Mr Manch said.
He said Safer Boating Week was about reminding boaties to prepare before taking to the water - so if something happened offshore, they were more likely to survive.
Mr Ferner encouraged anyone taking part in recreational water activities to check safety advice at www.adventuresmart.org.nz.
Safe boating tips:
• Prepare your boat - service the engine, check and change the fuel, and check the battery
• Check your gear - make sure lifejackets are fit for purpose, you have enough of them, and you have two reliable forms of communication equipment
• Know the rules - ensure you know the "rules of the road" on the water, and check your local bylaws to make sure you understand what the requirements are in your area