Taupō Police, the Lake Taupō Harbourmaster and Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board are calling for people to be aware of the risks of doing the Waikato River float trip in Taupō this summer.

There are more drownings in rivers than any other environment in New Zealand. This year’s drowning toll stands at 70 drownings to date.

In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity of the Waikato River float trip from the lagoon area below Control Gates Bridge to Hipapatua Reserve (Reid’s Farm). This year, with outflows from Lake Taupō expected to be higher than normal, the risk has also increased. Any flow above 140 cumecs (cubic metres of water per second) is considered high risk.

Police, the Harbourmaster and the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board all say the trip is more hazardous than people expect. Every year, police and the Harbourmaster are called to rescue people on the river and drownings are, sadly, not uncommon.

Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board has a simple message for all users of Taupō Waters this summer: “Kia tūpato, kia ora!”

Kia tūpato means to be careful! Kia ora means to stay alive!

Being careful means respecting the river and its power. Only strong, fit, and experienced swimmers should attempt the river float. A well-fitting lifejacket should be worn at all times

Staying alive means you should not do anything to put your life, or the lives of others, in danger. It also means having a safety plan and a form of waterproof communication before venturing out onto any of the Taupō waters.

Lake Taupō Harbourmaster Jamie Grant says he’s concerned about the number of people who attempt the river float on blow-ups such as air beds and pool toys without wearing a lifejacket or having any means of steering. Alcohol consumption is also a safety risk.

“Water doesn’t care how cool you are, which is why we’re reminding people to respect the river this summer,” Mr Grant says. “A lot of people don’t understand how dangerous rivers can be. Fresh water is not as buoyant as sea water and the river has unpredictable currents. If you miss the exits at Ōtumuheke (Spa Park) or Hipapatua, there are only a few places to get off the river before the current will drag you over Huka Falls.”

Taupō Police Senior Constable Barry Shepherd has attended numerous rescues on the river. His message to anyone undertaking the river float is to be properly prepared.

“It’s not much good when your flotation device gets a hole in it, so wear a buoyancy vest. Hanging onto cheap floatation devices and not wearing a lifejacket can be disastrous if something unexpected happens.

“We want everybody to have fun this summer but keeping yourself and those around you safe, is critical. We want you to go home in one piece and not be in the news for the wrong reasons.”

Water Safety New Zealand says the biggest issue with river safety is that people underestimate the risk. Fast-flowing currents make rivers New Zealand’s most dangerous aquatic environment. Currents can pull people under water or push them against an obstacle where they become trapped.

You can check the planned river flow by calling Mercury’s freephone number 0800 820 082 and selecting ‘planned outflow from Lake Taupō’.

Top tips for staying safe on the Waikato River this summer:

• Respect the river.
• Use a safe, well-maintained flotation device (not a pool toy) and have a way to steer it.
• Know your exit point (Spa Park or Hipapatua/Reid’s Farm).
• Wear a well-fitting life jacket.
• Check the flow before you go – over 140 cumecs = extreme risk. Call 0800 820 082.
• Be aware of hazards: submerged logs, snags, currents, sudden drop-offs.
• Buddy up – keep an eye out for each other.
• Save the drinks for off the river.
• Carry waterproof communication (e.g., phone in a sealed bag) so you can call for help if needed.

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