Second boating incident on Lake Wanaka

Two rescues on Lake Wanaka involving overseas visitors in two days this week is a serious concern to local harbourmaster Marty Black.

Yesterday the Wanaka coastguard was called out after reports of two people in a kayak without lifejackets, struggling to return to shore near the Edgewater Resort. The pair managed to reach the beach without assistance but were found to have been totally ill-equipped for their trip. They were spoken to by Wanaka police.

The incident follows Wednesday’s rescue of a South American couple, who were rescued from the middle of the lake after venturing offshore in a plastic dinghy with just a willow branch for a paddle, and no lifejackets.

“We want visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time on our lakes and rivers,” Mr Black said. “That means being aware of the conditions, always wearing lifejackets, and having the right boats and equipment.”

While this week’s incidents were unrelated, Mr Black said he and the Queenstown Lakes District Council would be looking at how to get boating safety messages to visitors over the spring and summer.

QLDC Regulatory Manager, Lee Webster, said that some visitors appeared to be taken in by the beauty of the local lakes and did not appreciate how quickly conditions could change in an alpine climate. “We have to help people understand that the lakes need to be treated with respect at all times. The rule here is that everyone in a small boat wears a life-jacket, and the rule is there for a reason – the clue is in the name.”

ENDS

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