A bunch of burly Regional Council staff took to the water to show just how difficult it is to put on a lifejacket once you are in the water and in need of it.

Aged 30 – 60, they represent the age group that comprise 90 per cent of the New Zealand recreational boating fatalities each year.

Putting on lifejackets after falling in the water isn't easy. Photo supplied.

To prove the point, they jumped into a 4.8m deep pool in their fishing gear, treaded water for three minutes, swum 30m and then attempted to get into a lifejacket.

They all eventually managed to get a lifejacket on, but none found it easy.

One participant, Reece Irving says that while it is exhausting, it's achievable in these conditions.

'We were lucky the pool was 25 degrees, the reality is the ocean or lake you would be exhausted, freezing and wearing heavy clothes and it would be nearly impossible to get one of these on."

In the water lifejackets look completely different and it's hard to know where to start, says Adrian Hays.

'It was a really valuable exercise, because you quickly learn how tough it is to put one of these on while in the water and adjust the straps. It goes back to the important message to get it on or it's no good."

Tony Pearce says he couldn't believe the inflatable lifejackets didn't float.

'Before we completed the exercise, we threw a few inflatable lifejackets that hadn't had their cord pulled into the water and found that within 10 seconds they had sunk. While you would normally be wearing one of these it was really interesting,” says Tony.

Most accidents on the water occur suddenly with no warning. When that happens it may be too late to try to find and put on a lifejacket.

Bay of Plenty harbours, lakes and rivers are used by thousands of people every day for a wide range of activities. To help ensure these activities can co-exist safely, rules are set under the Navigation Safety Bylaw to help manage them.

This Bylaw is currently being reviewed and the draft new version, which is currently open for submissions, amongst other changes includes a proposal that lifejackets must be worn at all times in vessels 6m or under unless the skipper advises otherwise.

For more information on the Navigation Safety Bylaw Review and how to make a submission visit or call 0800 884 880. Submissions close this Thursday, July 7, at 5pm.