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New Lifejacket Rule from 9 October 2026: What NZ Boaties Need to Know
From 9 October 2026, everyone on board a recreational craft 6 metres or less in length must wear a properly fitted lifejacket whenever the craft is underway. It’s the biggest change to New Zealand’s lifejacket rules in years — and an important step towards reducing preventable harm on the water.
The rule applies right across New Zealand to people using small recreational vessels such as jetskis, dinghies, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards and motorboats. Below we explain what’s changing (straight from Maritime NZ), how to choose a lifejacket that fits, and the Response lifejackets from Kilwell we stock in sizes from baby (5 kg) to 4XL.
What the new lifejacket rule says
- Who: every person on board a recreational craft that is 6 metres or less in length, unless a specific exclusion applies.
- When: whenever the craft is underway — that means on the water and not at anchor, tied to a dock, aground or attached to the shore.
- Where: all waterways, inshore and offshore — lakes, streams and rivers right through to the open coast.
- What craft: includes (but isn’t limited to) paddleboards, kayaks, dinghies and yacht tenders, jetskis/personal watercraft, small launches, recreational motor and sailing craft including trailer-sailers.
- Properly secured, right size: a lifejacket that doesn’t fit can’t be “properly secured”, so it won’t meet the rule.
How do I measure my boat?
Measure the length overall (LOA) from the very front (bow) to the very back (stern). Include permanent structure such as cabins, fixed bait tanks and the tubes on inflatables and RIBs. Don’t include fittings that stick out past the bow or stern — bow rollers, swim or boarding platforms, outboard motors, rub rails, gantries or trim tabs. If you’re unsure, the LOA is often part of the model name on the side of the boat.
What isn’t changing
The existing rules still apply on all recreational craft, whatever their size:
- You must carry enough lifejackets, of the right size, for everyone on board.
- Lifejackets must be worn at times of heightened risk, and by anyone being towed (water skiing, wakeboarding).
- The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board.
Exclusions and swimming
The existing exclusions under Maritime Rule Part 91 continue — for example surfboards and similar unpowered craft, windsurfers wearing a wetsuit, divers in a wetsuit on a boat 6 m and under within 5 miles of shore, and approved supervised sporting events. SUP surfing is also excluded (not all paddleboarding — only when you’re actually SUP surfing). You don’t need to wear a lifejacket while swimming off the boat, and the rule allows for taking it off just before you jump in and putting it back on when you climb out.
Penalties
Specific offences and penalties for the new rule haven’t been created yet, and Maritime NZ says the early focus will be on education. But Maritime NZ can still prosecute where breaking the Maritime Rules leads to significant harm, and there are existing offences for dangerous activity. The simple answer: put it on.
Choosing a lifejacket that fits
Maritime Rules don’t dictate a particular type of lifejacket — but it must show it meets an approved standard: NZS 5823:2005 or an approved international standard such as the Australian AS 4758. Every Response lifejacket below is certified to AS 4758.1. As a guide from Maritime NZ’s types of lifejackets page:
| AS 4758 level | NZ equivalent | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Level 150 (incl. 150N inflatables) | Type 401 / open-water inflatable | Open water, offshore fishing, larger trailer boats |
| Level 100 | Type 402 | Inshore boating — dinghies, tinnies, runabouts |
| Level 50 | Type 403 / 405 | Kayaking, SUP, jetskis, sailing dinghies |
- Inflatables are comfortable for all-day wear, but they give no flotation until inflated. Maritime NZ says they’re only suitable for people over 40 kg and shouldn’t be worn by non-swimmers. Check the cylinder before every trip and service them at least once a year (more on inflatables).
- Kids: put children in a foam lifejacket with a collar in the right size now — don’t buy one to grow into. Children’s lifejackets need a crotch strap so the jacket can’t ride up over their head (Maritime NZ on lifejackets for children).
- Old lifejackets: more than 10 years old? Replace it. Kapok-filled jackets or ones with cotton straps are unsafe — destroy them.
For a deeper dive on types and sizing, see our Lifejackets NZ guide.
Response lifejackets from Kilwell
Response lifejackets are supplied in New Zealand by Kilwell. Here’s the Response range we carry from Kilwell, with every size and current price.
Response P100 Foam Lifejacket with Neck Support
Level 100 foam · from $76.49
Our pick for families in tinnies, runabouts and dinghies. A Level 100 foam jacket with a buoyant collar and full foam back panel, hi-vis yellow with SOLAS reflective tape. Adult sizes have a whistle; children’s sizes have a lifting loop and the Extra Small Child size has a crotch strap. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small Child 10–15 kg | RP100XSC |
$76.49 |
| Youth 22–40 kg | RP100Y |
$76.49 |
| Adult XS–S 40–60 kg | RP100XS-S |
$80.99 |
| Adult M–L 60 kg+ | RP100M-L | $94.99 |
| Adult XL–2XL 60 kg+ | RP100XL-2XL | $94.99 |
| Adult 3XL–4XL 70 kg+ | RP1003XL-4XL | $94.99 |
Shop the Response P100 Foam Level 100 →
Response B100 Baby & Infant Lifejackets
Level 100 foam · from $75.99
For the littlest crew members. Fully adjustable soft-foam jackets in hi-vis yellow, with a neoprene crotch strap, a lifting loop, reflective tape on the collar and three adjustment points. Tested for roll-over, so the child rolls into a safe floating position. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baby 5–10 kg | RB100B | $75.99 |
| Infant 10–15 kg | RB100I | $85.99 |
Shop the B100 Baby → | Shop the B100 Infant →
Response Neo 50S Neoprene Lifejacket
Level 50S neoprene · from $124.99
Soft, stretchy neoprene you’ll forget you’re wearing — ideal now that the jacket stays on the whole time you’re underway. Oversized front zip, four-panel design with quick-dry lining, heavy-duty buckles and big arm holes for paddling, fishing and jetskis. Infant and Small Child sizes have a crotch strap. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Infant 10–15 kg | RNEOIG | $144.99 |
| Small Child 12–25 kg | RNEOSCG | $124.99 |
| Youth 22–40 kg | RNEOYG | $134.99 |
| Small Adult 40–60 kg | RNEOSAG | $164.99 |
| Medium Adult 60–70 kg | RNEOMAG | $169.99 |
| Large Adult 60 kg+ | RNEOLAG |
$152.99 |
| XL Adult 60 kg+ | RNEOXLAG | $179.99 |
| 2XL Adult 60 kg+ | RNEO2XLAG | $179.99 |
| 3XL Adult 60 kg+ | RNEO3XLAG | $179.99 |
Shop the Response Neo 50S Neoprene →
Response Splash Ratz Kids Lifejacket
Level 50S · $86.00
Fun designs that kids actually want to wear — which matters now the jacket has to stay on whenever you’re underway. Soft polyester outer, two front belts with buckles, deep arm holes and a crotch strap. Certified to AS 4758.1:2022.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small Child 12–25 kg – Shark (blue) | RSR50SSCS |
$86.00 |
| Small Child 12–25 kg – Crocodile (green) | RSR50SSCC |
$86.00 |
| Small Child 12–25 kg – Bumblebee (yellow) | RSR50SSCB |
$86.00 |
Response MS50 Foam Multi-Use Sport Lifejacket
Level 50 foam · from $64.99
Great-value, do-everything jacket for kayaks, paddleboards, jetskis and sailing dinghies. Soft foam, deep arm holes for easy movement and three belts so it’s quick to put on. Red or yellow. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Youth 22–40 kg (red) | RMS50Y | $69.99 |
| Youth 22–40 kg (yellow) | RMS50YY22 |
$64.99 |
| Adult XS–S 40–60 kg (red / yellow) | RMS50XS-S / RMS50XS-SY22 | $74.99 |
| Adult M–L 60 kg+ (red / yellow) | RMS50M-L / RMS50M-LY22 |
$71.99 |
| Adult XL–2XL 60 kg+ (red / yellow) | RMS50XL-2XL / RMS50XL-2XLY22 |
$71.99 |
Shop the Response MS50 Multi-Use Sport →
Response MF50 Canoe / Kayak Lifejacket
Level 50 foam · from $85.99
Built for paddling: 6-point belt closure with zip (two each side plus the shoulders), soft foam, deep arm holes and a front zip pocket. One size fits all adults 40 kg+; junior size for 22–40 kg. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Junior 22–40 kg (red) | RMF50J | $85.99 |
| Adult 40 kg+ (red) | RMF50A | $85.99 |
Shop the Response MF50 Kayak →
Response MF50 Kayak Tourer Lifejacket
Level 50S foam · $184.99
The step up for kayak fishing and longer paddles. Bright hi-vis yellow with reflective piping, robust front zip and clips, two large front storage pockets, lined hand-warmer pockets, a lash tab for your radio, light or knife, and a back pocket for a water bladder. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult XS–S | RTXS-SY22 | $184.99 |
| Adult M–L | RTM-LY22 | $184.99 |
| Adult XL–2XL | RTXL-2XLY22 | $184.99 |
Shop the Response MF50 Kayak Tourer →
Response Manual Inflatable Lifejacket 150N
Level 150 inflatable · from $118.99
Lightweight, low-profile 150N inflatable for anglers and skippers who want something they can wear all day. Pull-cord manual inflation with oral back-up, single-point indicator, neoprene neckline and tough, puncture-resistant fabric. Universal size, 40 kg and over. Self-serviceable for recreational use. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Universal adult 40 kg+ | RI150MC |
$118.99 |
Shop the Response Manual Inflatable 150N →
Response Auto/Manual Inflatable Lifejacket 150N
Level 150 inflatable · from $144.99
Same comfortable 150N inflatable, with a switchable system: set it to inflate automatically when it hits the water, or switch to manual if you’re likely to get soaked by spray. Oral back-up, single-point indicator, neoprene neckline. Universal size, 40 kg and over. Self-serviceable for recreational use. Certified to AS 4758.1.
| Size | Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Universal adult 40 kg+ (ocean camo) | RI150AOC | $144.99 |
| Universal adult 40 kg+ | TDI150A | $144.99 |
Shop the Response Auto/Manual Inflatable 150N →
Re-arm kits for Response inflatables
If your inflatable has been fired, re-arm it before you go out again — and keep a spare on board.
-
Response 33 g Re-Arm Bottle (adult manual 150N) — $22.49
$24.99(code RMRAK) -
Response 24 g Re-Arm Bottle (child inflatable) — $42.74
$44.99(code RMRAKCHILD)
Fit accessories
A lifejacket has to be properly secured to meet the new rule. These help it fit right:
-
Response LJS Crotch Strap (adult) — $22.49
$24.99(code LJSCSAB). Stops the jacket riding up in the water; fits all Response foam and inflatable lifejackets. -
Response LJS Extension Belt (adult) — $22.49
$24.99(code LJSEB).
Before you head out
Maritime NZ’s reminder for every trip:
- Make sure you and every passenger is wearing a correctly fitted lifejacket.
- Take two waterproof ways to call for help — for example a VHF marine radio and a phone in a waterproof bag.
- Check the marine weather forecast.
Rule information summarised from Maritime NZ’s lifejacket wearing rule amendment page (last updated 23 September 2026). Always check Maritime NZ and your regional council for the latest rules and any local bylaws. Prices correct at 2 October 2026.
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