Harbourmaster patrolling of Lake Dunstan will ramp up from this Labour Weekend as Otago Regional Council (ORC) launches its annual summer safety campaign.

The campaign, led by harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook and his team, focuses on two key questions: Does your lifejacket fit? And would you know what to do if you fell into the water?

Steve said too many people head out on the water without properly checking their gear.

“You need to know your lifejacket works before you leave the land. The only way to know is to check it regularly.”

He warns that a loose or aged lifejacket can be as dangerous as none at all, particularly on little people.

“You may as well not be wearing one. Check children’s lifejackets are correctly sized.”

Steve said lifejackets filled with kapok or held together with cotton straps are no longer safe.

A kapok lifejacket should be destroyed and replaced. Photo: Supplied/ORC

Kapok, once common in older models, can absorb water and cause the wearer to sink. Cotton straps also weaken and rot over time - even if the jacket hasn’t been used.

To help people upgrade, the Coastguard’s Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade returns on December 1, visiting communities across Otago and offering discounts on new Hutchwilco lifejackets in exchange for outdated ones.

If you do fall into the water, Steve said it’s vital to stay calm and focus on being seen and heard.

“Stay calm, conserve energy, and attract attention: wave, whistle, shout, or phone.”

He reminds all boaties to follow the five rules of the Boating Safety Code: wear your lifejacket; take two waterproof ways to call for help; check the marine weather forecast; avoid alcohol; and be a responsible skipper.

“We want everyone to enjoy their summer recreation this year and get home safely,” he said.

Lifejacket safety checklist

• Pull the straps hard – if they stretch or tear, destroy and replace
• Check for cuts, tears, or punctures
• Make sure the lifejacket still floats 

ORC regulates ports, harbours, and waterways across Otago, except in the Queenstown Lakes District, which operates under its own harbourmaster.

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