A Reminder For Boaties, Jetskiers Of The Rules They Must Follow

Summer is here and Aucklanders are hitting the water in their tens of thousands.

Boaties, swimmers, divers, and jetskiers, among many others, will jostle for space off our beautiful beaches – but they’re not always a safe mix.

So far this year, a sobering 70 people have lost their lives in water incidents in New Zealand.

Most deaths were swimmers caused by drowning, but there were several incidents involving recreational craft such as boats and jetskis where 16 people tragically lost their lives. Ten of these deaths were preventable as people weren’t wearing life jackets.

Auckland Harbourmaster Andrew Hayton would like to remind all water users to be mindful of each other, and to follow the rules that are there for your safety.

“Every death or injury off our beaches is an avoidable tragedy. Most occur simply because people aren’t following the rules that we have in place to avoid these very incidents.

“We still see some questionable behaviour out on the water each summer, and we’re often reminding, and in some cases reprimanding, water users for their unsafe practices.”

Are Aucklanders finally getting the water safety message?

The Harbourmaster’s Operations Manager, Marc Davis, says that although he still sees some concerning incidents out on the water, Aucklanders do seem to be behaving with more care.

“We’re seeing that boaties especially are mostly compliant and following the rules. So far this summer, we’ve only handed out 24 infringements, and given the amount of water users in Auckland, that’s actually a pretty good result.

“Maybe the safety message is getting through, and we’re very happy about that. But that said, it only takes one person’s reckless actions to put many lives at risk on the water.”

The rules all boaties must follow

Auckland Transport (AT) has rules for boaties that focus on safety, registration, and responsible waterway use, requiring lifejackets for jetskis, speed limits (5 knots near shore/people), communication gear, no drink-driving, and respecting restricted zones, all governed by the Auckland Council Navigation Bylaw for a safer Hauraki Gulf and harbours, with AT managing wharves and enforcing rules.

Watch the video: AT Boaties Jet ski

Key rules & requirements for recreational craft

• Lifejackets: Required for all on vessels under 6 metres unless permitted otherwise; sufficient life jackets for everyone on board.
• Speed: 5 knots (fast walking pace) within 200m of shore, structures, diver flags, or 50m of other boats/swimmers; safe speed always.
• Intoxication: It is illegal to be in charge of a vessel if impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Communication: Carry a communication device; report incidents to the Harbourmaster/Maritime NZ.
• Wharf use: Limited time (e.g., 30 mins at Matiatia) for loading/unloading; no unattended vessels; move if instructed.
• Harbour Rules: Know and follow specific zones (no anchoring, speed restrictions) and Notices to Mariners.
• Marine pests: Prevent spread of pests (like caulerpa) by cleaning hulls and equipment before moving locations.

Common Penalties

• Infringement Notices: Fines up to $300+ for speeding, no lifejackets, etc.
• Prosecution: Serious issues like drunk boating or significant pollution will lead to higher fines or other penalties.

A reminder of the rules and penalties for jetskiers

While most jetskiers play by the rules, a small number each year are reported to the Harbourmaster as driving dangerously.

It goes without saying that jetskis, when operated badly, can lead to fatal consequences.

• Don’t go faster than 5 knots within 200m from shore, within 50m of another vessel, or within 200m of a dive flag – any of these infringements will see you receive a $200 fine.
• Piloting an unregistered jetski will also cost you $200.
• A person must be 15 years or over to use any jet ski capable of speeds over 10 knots.
• And ALWAYS wear a lifejacket.

Don’t be a shark – watch where you park

And a reminder for boaties and jetskiers of the rules around driving and parking on beaches for launching or retrieval.

Most of our beaches are usually very busy over summer, especially in our regional parks, so it’s imperative these rules are followed to make it fair for everyone.

Watch the video: AT Boaties Trailers

• Driving and parking on Auckland beaches are not allowed, except to launch and retrieve boats (refer to the Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw 2025).
• Use only official access points (e.g., boat ramps) to enter and exit the water.
• Use designated parking areas for vehicles with trailers, without blocking others or emergency accessways.
• Check before you go to see what facilities are available for water access, boat launching and parking – Auckland regional parks.
• Drive a direct route to the water and stick to a safe speed.
• Please leave the beach immediately once the boat is launched or retrieved.
• Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches are the only exception where safe beach driving is allowed, for those who have a beach driving permit.
• At Muriwai Beach, the beach access roads will close to vehicles from 31 December to 12 January 2026. Muriwai Beach will be vehicle free this summer - OurAuckland

© Scoop Media