Last summer more than half the country may have taken to the water in boats. Driven by good weather Maritime NZ says 51 per cent of New Zealanders went recreational boating in summer 2015-2016.

And that figure on recreational boating during summer was driven by the weather, says Safer Boating Forum chair and Maritime NZ deputy director Lindsay Sturt.

'In what was one of our hottest summers, we had record numbers on the water in boats, kayaks, paddleboards and all sorts of craft on at least one day.”

'Most summers, about 30 percent of Kiwis take part in recreational boating. [So] What likely caused the jump to 51 per cent was the weather. More people probably had an occasional boating trip with family or friends because there was more great weather.

'New Zealand is a nation of boaties. It seems about one-third to half of our population takes to the water in one million recreational craft.”

The big numbers mean boat safety is really important, as it means more occasional boaties on the water not understanding how to be safe, and without the right equipment.

'Last summer we found fewer people reported wearing a lifejacket all the time they were on the water.

'We do not know if they did not have lifejackets or if they just did not wear them,” says Lindsay.

The rules in the Bay of Plenty region are the skipper of the boat must ensure there is a correctly-sized lifejacket or buoyancy aid for each person on board at all times. If they are not being worn they must be stowed so they are at hand and immediately available.

People in boats are legally required to wear lifejackets at times of heightened risk; while crossing bars, in strong tides or in rough water for the size of the boat or in an emergency.

Then there's the five knot rule. Power boats cannot go faster than five knots – or 9.26km/h – within 200m of the shore or a structure, within 200m of any boat flying the blue and white dive flag, or within 50m of another boat, raft or person in the water.

Bow riding or hanging legs over the side of the boat is also forbidden at speeds more than five knots.

The driver of any powerboat capable of more than 10 knots must be aged 15-plus.

Boaties are advised by the Safe Boating Forum to take some simple steps before going on the water: Prep the boat, check the gear; know the rules, which are on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website.

Prep – service the engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery and just generally give the boat a good onceover.

Check – ensure lifejackets are still fit for purpose and you have enough. Service any inflatable lifejackets and ensure there are two reliable forms of communication equipment.

Know the ‘rules of the road' on the water, and check local bylaws for the requirements are in your area. The Bay of Plenty region ends at Waihi Beach.