Jonny Bannister: Coastguard Regional Manager on the deaths of Gemma and Ryder Ferregel and the need for compulsory lifejackets

There's a call for compulsory nationwide lifejacket use following the death of a 10-year-old boy in the Manukau Harbour. 

Ryder Ferregel and his mother, Gemma, died in November 2022 after a boat carrying five people capsized near Clarks Beach.  

They both drowned after hours of clinging to the overturned hull and even after reaching the relative safety of a sandbar. 

In Coroner Erin Woolley's findings, she says had the pair been wearing lifejackets, their chances of surviving would have significantly increased.   

Coastguard Regional Manager Jonny Bannister told Kerre Woodham it should absolutely be legislated for on a national level. 

He says that there’s about eight different variations around the country as to what is required, but Coastguard New Zealand is actively campaigning to make it compulsory across the country.  

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