Kayak Safety in New Zealand: The Boating Safety Code for Paddlers

The Boating Safety Code

New Zealand's Boating Safety Code applies to kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards as well as boats. DOC's version:

1. Wear a lifejacket any time you're on the water. A correctly fitted lifejacket increases your survival time if you end up in the water.
2. Take two waterproof ways to call for help. Wear or securely attach at least one to your body.
3. Check the marine weather forecast before you go, and expect conditions to change.
4. Share your plans with someone you trust: your starting point, route and expected return time. Ask them to call 111 if you don't get back and can't be reached.
5. Stay within your limits. Choose a trip that matches your skills, equipment, experience and confidence.

Two ways to call for help

DOC warns not to rely on a mobile phone: it might go overboard, run flat or be out of range. Better options, depending on where you're paddling:

• A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator
• A handheld marine VHF radio
• A mobile phone in a waterproof bag as a second option, not your only one

Keep at least one device on your body, not in the kayak. If you capsize and lose the boat, you still need to call for help.

Expect to get wet

DOC notes there's a high chance of falling in when you kayak, canoe or paddleboard, so know your swimming ability before you go. Practise getting back into your kayak in calm, shallow water. Dress for the water temperature, not the air: on rivers, DOC recommends a drysuit or wetsuit.

Weather and wind

• Wind is the biggest factor on open water. In Abel Tasman, DOC says strong westerly winds are common from late spring through summer.
• Plan for headwinds. Choose a destination you can reach in bad conditions, not just good ones.
• If it gets too rough, get off the water and wait. DOC tells Abel Tasman paddlers never to risk their lives in dangerous seas.
• On Milford Sound, Rosco's Milford Kayaks warns its afternoon trips get more wind and waves than morning ones.

Children

DOC says never leave children unattended in a kayak, canoe or on a paddleboard.

River kayaking

Rivers bring extra hazards. DOC's river safety advice:

• Choose a river grade that suits everyone in your group.
• Get current information from the NZ River Guide and local paddlers.
• Wear a lifejacket and helmet, and carry a PLB.
• Carry rescue gear and know how to use it. Consider a whitewater safety course.

Local hazards

• Coastal bars: Shallow sandbanks at river and harbour entrances. DOC warns that crossing them can be dangerous.
• Tsunami: In Milford Sound and on the Abel Tasman coast, if you feel a long or strong earthquake, move up and away from the water immediately.
• Marine reserves: You're welcome to paddle through, but don't fish or take anything. See our marine reserve rules.

Guided trips

A guided trip is the simplest way to stay safe while you build experience. See our guided vs independent kayaking guide.