New boating rules requiring everyone sailing in the Auckland region to wear life jackets start this weekend.
The by-law requires all people on vessels under six metres to wear life jackets, unless the skipper decides it is safe to remove them.
Police say it means a skipper will be held personally accountable and could face charges should something go wrong on the water.
From Saturday it will also be compulsory for boats to carry a communication device and it will be an offence for anyone in charge of a vessel to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.