They don't work if you are not wearing them

USE IT: Coastguard New Zealand CEO Patrick Holmes, sounding the familiar summer boating message.

Coastguard is once again urging everyone who goes down to the sea in ships this summer to wear a lifejacket.

"The Christmas and New Year period is always a busy time for Coastguard volunteers, and we can't stress enough the importance of wearing lifejackets," Coastguard New Zealand CEO Patrick Holmes said.

"By wearing your lifejacket you're giving yourself the best chance of survival, because accidents are by definition unpredictable, and it is extremely difficult to put on a lifejacket once you are in the water. Take them and wear them - they are your best protection when the unexpected happens.

"Skippers have a big role to play in this; the skipper is responsible for every person on board the boat. They have an obligation to take responsibility for their passenger's safety."

Coastguard was once again running its Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade through to the end of January, encouraging boaties and members of the public to trade in their old lifejackets for a new one at a significant discount.

The Old4New van, fully laden with lifejackets, will be travelling around the Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Waikato regions on weekends and key days throughout the summer holiday period. It will be at Kerikeri New World on Friday January 15 and at the Paihia wharf next day, 7.30am to 11.30am both days.

"The summer season is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends, however it's important to remember the simple safety rules amongst all of the fun," Mr Holmes said.

The five simple rules could save a life were:

1 - Take lifejackets, and wear them. Boats, especially those less than six metres, could sink very quickly, and wearing a lifejacket increased survival time in the water.

2. Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so coastguard can help if anyone gets into difficulties.

3 - Check the local marine weather forecast before you go, and expect both weather and sea state changes.

4 - Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.

5 - The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board, and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience. Take a Coastguard boating education course, like day skipper, boatmaster and marine VHF radio training (www.boatingeducation.org.nz).