KEY POINTS:
Lifebuoys will be installed at some popular fishing spots along Auckland's notorious west coast this summer in a trial to see if they prove as successful as in Australia.
The Auckland Regional Council has agreed to try out the flotation devices, known as "angel rings", after research proved they reduced drownings in New South Wales.
Project leader Stu Leighton said that since they were introduced there in 2004 at least 24 lives had been saved.
He said the longer someone stayed afloat the greater was their chance of survival, and the bright orange rings helped rescuers spot those in trouble.
The eight sites where the rings are to be tried out over the next two years are still to be confirmed - surf lifesavers are being consulted - but places like Flat Rock at Muriwai are among the likely contenders.
The life aids will be easily accessed but put in places to avoid loss during storms.
Mr Leighton said there was potential for vandalism, although in NSW that had not been a major problem. "But we are not going to second-guess that - that is why we will run trials."
The angel rings, which are installed directly on rock platforms, could cost up to $250 each, he said.
As people tended to fish off headlands, the rings would probably not be easily seen from beaches and so not present significant aesthetic issues.
The council would meanwhile carry on with its education campaign on lifejackets (with use rising from 4 to 22 per cent of fishers) and safe fishing practices for the fourth summer.
He said that each year there was a high turnover of new fishers, about 40 per cent, which meant education alone was probably not enough.
Sandra Coney, who chairs the ARC parks and heritage committee, said the angel rings would help to promote the message to people not to swim towards the rocks if they end up in the sea.
"That's where the deaths occur as they are bashed about ... It is better to stay afloat and wait for help."
