Representatives took the plunge into a not-so-warm Wellington harbour as a reminder of the 27 people who died in boating accidents last year.

So far this year, 16 more people have died in boating incidents.

Maritime NZ Director Keith Manch, (front) hits the water, with Wellington City Area Police Commander Inspector Chris Bensemann.

'Compounding these tragedies is that two-thirds of the people are likely to have survived if they had worn lifejackets,” says Maritime New Zealand Director Keith Manch.

'More than 90 per cent of people who die while recreational boating are men. Every one of them was a father, brother, son, husband and friend.

'Such deaths are devastating to the families and communities involved, and in many cases could be prevented by following basic safe boating rules, including wearing lifejackets.

'Safer Boating Week is about boaties taking simple steps to prepare before going out on the water so they avoid problems, and if problems arise, they are more likely to survive.”

The 27 people who plunged into Wellington Harbour today were all wearing lifejackets.

'If you are on the water when you discover a problem with your boat or equipment, or you do not know an important safety rule, then it is too late and people are in danger.”

In a recent survey, 78 per cent of boaties say they always wear a lifejacket on the water, and 60 per cent say they always wear life jackets and ensure others on their boat do too.

The three key Safer Boating Week messages are all about what to do before going on the water:

• Prep your boat – service the engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery and generally give the boat a good onceover.
• Check your gear – make sure your lifejackets are still fit for purpose and you have enough. Service any inflatable lifejackets and ensure you have two reliable forms of communication equipment.
• Know the rules – ensure you know the 'rules of the road” on the water, and check your local bylaws to make sure you understand what the requirements are in your area.

For lots more information about safer boating visit: www.saferboating.org.nz or search for the 'Safer Boating NZ” on Facebook.

Taking the plunge on Friday were representatives from ACC, Civil Aviation Authority, Coastguard, Ferg's Kayaks, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers, Maritime NZ, MetService, New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Search and Rescue, New Zealand Underwater Association, Police, Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Waikato Regional Council, Water Safety New Zealand and Wellington City Council.

Safer Boating Week runs until October 23.