Wellington's Police Maritime Unit has noticed a dramatic increase in the number of water rescues since the COVID-19 lockdown ended.
While they're encouraging people to get back out on the water it comes with a warning to get the basics right.
As they patrol Wellington Harbour on Saturday, Police Maritime Unit staff say they've been busier than usual this winter since lockdown finished.
"A lot of boats were going out into the harbour and everyone was rejoicing to actually be out there," says Senior Sergeant Dave Houston.
All eyes scan the harbour while on patrol, looking for any vessel that may need help - no matter how big or small. One sailor needed a tow after their mast collapsed.
"The weather wasn't so good today, but that's actually a good reason to go out because someone's not going to get into so much trouble on a beautiful sunny day with no wind," says Senior Constable Jonno Westrupp.
Despite this, some boaties weren't wearing their lifejackets and only put them on when police approached them.
Police would rather those life jackets are used all the time - even more so with the increase in rescues.
"We get about two or three rescues each month in mid-winter, this time we've had 19 last month and 15 the previous," says Snr Sgt Houston.
That includes the rescue of an 18-year-old back in May who spent the night on Cook Strait in a dinghy.
There was trouble on the fishing front though when police checked one group's catch of blue cod - only to discover a red cod instead.
No matter the colour of the fish or the reason you're on the water, police want one message to stick.
"Wear your life jacket because they save lives," says Snr Sgt Houston.
