Bay of Plenty boaties are set to benefit from a new education campaign designed to push key boating safety messages and generate funds for the Coastguard.

In its latest report, Coastguard reports it rescued 6634 Kiwis in trouble on the water and brought home the bodies of 45 of those who died at sea.

The campaign will see Coastguard push the Boating Safety Code - five simple rules that can save live on the water: take and wear a lifejacket, skipper responsibly, taking a VHF radio for waterproof communications, checking the marine weather forecast before heading out and don't drink before going out or while on the water.

Coastguard's executive officer - brand and marketing - Christine Haru says funds from the new initiative will help save lives.

"It costs an average of $280 an hour to operate a rescue vessel, depending in the size. Many people don't realise the Coastguard is actually a charity. They think we're like the police and totally government funded.

"We do have a service level agreement with the government to provide key marine search and rescue services and for this we have received some funding."

Christine says they also receive some funding through the Lottery Grants Board, but for the rest of the funds to operate they are entirely reliant on organisations like FCO for sponsorship dollars and the generosity of New Zealanders.

"Sadly 45 people have perished on the water in the last year and while many factors contributed to this number, evidence would suggest some of those deaths would have been preventable if people followed the five simple boating safety rules."