New Zealanders are being urged to wear lifejackets on the water this summer

The first Water Safety month has been launched, as the year's water death toll of 57 creeps closer to the total of 66 deaths last year.

Maritime New Zealand's Sharyn Forsyth says skippers need to take responsibility - ensuring passengers wear lifejackets.

She says the jackets need to be fitted properly, and they need at least two waterproof ways of calling for help.