Today marks the beginning of Safer Boating Week, and Maritime New Zealand's reminding of the importance of life jackets.

Director Keith Manch said while a lot more boaties take life jackets with them, two-thirds actually wear them while on the water.

"About 90 percent of the fatalities that have occurred have been men that have been 40 or older and about two thirds of those could have been prevented if life jackets had have been worn."

Manch also warns if you can't call for help, they can't rescue you.

He said only 38 percent of boaties take two waterproof ways to call for help on the water.

"The best one is a VHF radio, you can also take a beacon or a cellphone wrapped in a waterproof pack."