Coastguard New Zealand is strongly urging anyone heading out on to the water this holiday season to wear a life jacket.

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

Coastguard NZ CEO Patrick Holmes urges boaties to wear lifejackets.

'By wearing your life jacket, you're giving yourself the best chance of survival because accidents are by definition unpredictable, and it is extremely difficult to put on a life jacket once you are in the water.

'Take them and wear them – they are your best protection when the unexpected happens.

'Skippers also 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 NZ is also running its Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade. The Old4New van, fully laden with lifejackets, is travelling around the Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Waikato on weekends and key days throughout the summer holiday period.

Boaties and members of the public can bring along their old life jackets and trade them in for a brand new, fit-for-purpose quality lifejacket at a great trade-in discount.

This is a big part of Coastguard's safe boating message and is a great chance for Kiwis to get sorted for summer.

'The summer season is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends,” says Patrick.

'However, it's important to remember the simple safety rules amongst all of the fun. These five simple rules could save your life.”

Life Jackets: Take them and wear them. Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.

Communications: Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so Coastguard can help you if you get into difficulties.

Marine Weather: New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.

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

Skipper Responsibility: 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.

For more information on Coastguard's Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign, go to: www.coastguard.org.nz