Coastguard Wanganui is urging everyone heading out on the water to wear a lifejacket.
Local president Kevin McKenna told the Chronicle making sure everyone on board was wearing a lifejacket is the first thing a boat skipper should do.
"It's all part of our safety message to anyone out on the water this summer," Mr McKenna said.
"They also need to make sure their boat is properly serviced, and that they're carrying all the proper safety gear."
He said Coastguard Wanganui had 1000 boats on its register although only about half were members of the organisation.