Challenge Wanaka Water Safety

With 1600 athletes descending on Wanaka for the Challenge Wanaka event this Saturday, Harbourmaster Marty Black has some safety advice for swimmers training in the lake this week.

• Swim on the south side of Roy Bay

• If you need to swim in the middle of the lake, have a safety kayak with you, or swim in a group

• Be visible – wear a brightly coloured swimming cap or use a fluoro visibility device

Mr Black said that boaties should also be aware that there would be more swimmers than usual in the lake, and keep a sharp lookout at all time, particularly in choppy conditions that could make it difficult to spot a lone swimmer.

“This is a big event that brings a lot of people to Wanaka, and water safety is a major consideration,” he said.

© Scoop Media