Coastguard Clyde received almost $100,000 towards the purchase of a new rescue vessel from the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) in its latest funding round.

The funding was part of more than one million dollars granted by CLT at its June board meeting, supporting 26 initiatives throughout the Central Lakes district.

Coastguard Clyde has been busier than ever on our waterways, CLT chief executive Susan Finlay said.

The extra pressure comes from population growth, Kiwis holidaying at home, and the opening of the Lake Dunstan Trail.

The trail, which carves its way from Cromwell to Clyde along the true right side of the lake, has exceeded predicted numbers. 

Clyde Coastguard is a key responder to any incidents on the trail, Susan said.

Coastguard Southern unit support manager Chris Thornton said the new boat was really exciting for the organisation.

Chris Thornton from Coastguard is based in Wanaka but also supports the Clyde team

“The boat has been purely designed for the needs of the team in Clyde… it will be a custom built rescue vessel.”

Chris said last year the Clyde team responded to 16 callouts, which was an increase of three on the previous year.

Callouts were for vessels adrift, breakdowns (engine problems or running out of fuel), people in the water, medical events (heart attacks or injuries on the bike trail) or capsizes of smaller boats such as kayaks. 

He said the new vessel would have improved electronic capability with night vision navigation, GPS, and an upgraded radar and tracking system for shore based teams to use.

“We’re getting all the electronics we can to ensure people are safe - both on the water and on land.”

The boat will have a specialised front which can be lowered to wheel bikes on board, and room for stretchers. 

The requirements for Coastguard Clyde are unique according to Chris, as the water on Lake Dunstan is largely flat but the unit also covers the rapid river flows of the Mata-Au (Clutha) and the Lake Dunstan bike trail. 

Chris said the project team had put in a huge amount of effort to get to this point with requirements for the new boat.

“It will be a fit for purpose vessel, and it will be looked at in the rest of New Zealand where there is flat water and rivers.”

The new boat should be in the water in the summer of 2023-2024.

The group received $95,336 for the new rescue vessel. 

There are 13 active members of Coastguard Clyde and new volunteers for shore based roles in operations and administration are currently needed. Keen to volunteer with Coastguard Clyde? Head to Coastguard’s volunteer recruitment website to find out more and get involved.