As boaties head out on the water for the summer, Auckland's Harbourmaster is reminding everyone to stay safe.
Harbourmaster Andrew Hayton says all boaties should know the rules and be prepared with the right equipment on board.
"Every boat must have a suitable lifejacket for every person on board and if the boat is 6 metres or smaller, everyone on board must wear their lifejacket unless the skipper says it is safe to take it off.
"Boaties also need to remember that the rules differ between regions, for instance if you're venturing to the Coromandel, lifejackets are compulsory at all times."
Captain Hayton says it makes good sense for everyone to wear their jacket or to keep it close so they can reach it quickly.