Coastguard New Zealand says boaties need to take safety seriously this Labour Weekend

They want people to wear life jackets, take waterproof communication and check their equipment before they get on the water.

Three people died in a boating incident last weekend in Manukau Harbour.

Coastguard Operations Manager Rob McCaw says for some it's better to stay home.

He says the weather is expected to be dicey this weekend, especially for the upper North Island.