Lifejackets must be worn in boats up to six metres in the Waikato from July – unless the skipper says you don't have to.

This is one of the new rules under Environment Waikato's revised navigation safety bylaw, which comes into effect on July 1, 2009.
The new bylaw applies to the Waikato region's harbours, rivers, lakes and coastal waters and will be available in full on Environment Waikato's website from July 1, 2009.
The bylaw aims to ensure the safety of water users and includes several other changes.
Power driven vessels over four metres and sail boats over six metres must display a name or identifying mark.
Smaller vessels must be marked with emergency contact details and/or the owner's name or contact details. This rule comes into effect on July 1, 2010, giving people a year to ensure their vessels comply.
Skippers will be responsible for having an appropriate means of communication on board to enable communication with land based and/or seaborne parties from any point within the area the vessel will be operated. For vessels less than six metres, communication must be able to be operated following submersion in sea water.
Kayaks and other paddle craft must increase visibility to other vessels, using a chopper flag or constant white light.
The current navigation safety bylaw remains in force until 30 June 2009: www.ew.govt.nz/navbylaw.