Central’s lakes and rivers are a bustling place at this time of year and the Otago Regional Council (ORC) harbourmasters are working hard to educate the few people not following the rules.

ORC deputy harbourmaster Pete Dryden said the behaviour of boaties was very good generally, with only a few instances of concern, including paddle boarders not wearing life jackets.

ORC deputy harbourmaster Pete Dryden on patrol in Dunedin. PHOTO: Supplied

Pete said when areas were crowded people should be considerate to other vessels, keep a proper look out, remember the safety rules and keep speeds down close to other vessels and people in the water.

“Swimmers can be hard to spot. Be patient.

“Apart from other vessels, there is always the chance of logs and other debris floating on the surface, these can be hard to spot and especially difficult when it’s a bit choppy, this is more prevalent following a weather event.”

This summer the ORC harbourmaster team has assisted a call out for a vessel that sank, which they attended and did some pollution response. 

Other recent examples of problems they’ve seen are people not having an observer while towing a water-skier or biscuit.

Another call out was for bow riding, and one for a person under 15 operating a jet ski, which is not allowed under the by-laws and national rules. 

In these instances ORC spoke to the people concerned and informed them on the rules.

Brush up on the boating safety code here.

Read more: Harbourmaster prepares lakes and rivers for summer.

People can contact the ORC harbourmaster on 0800 474 082, 0800 800 033 (after hours), or 027 201 0592. Email: [email protected].