Six people were rescued from Lake Dunstan on Thursday evening (December 18) after a boat capsized, prompting a rapid response from Coastguard Clyde volunteers.

In a statement today (Friday), Coastguard said police alerted the organisation's national operations centre to the incident at approximately 7pm, requesting volunteers from the nearby Clyde branch respond to reports of a capsized vessel on the lake.

Local volunteers launched rescue vessel Clyde Rescue II and made their way to the scene with ambulance personnel onboard.

On arrival, the crew located all six people, who had made their way to a section of shoreline inaccessible by vehicle.

Four people were transported by Coastguard safely back to shore, where three ambulances were waiting. 

Meanwhile, a nearby vessel assisted with bringing the remaining two people ashore.

Clyde Rescue II skipper James Robinson said the crew responded quickly and worked well alongside other emergency services.

“Our crew acted swiftly and worked well together alongside other agencies to assist those involved,” James said.

“It’s a busy time of year for our volunteers, but the response was excellent and we were on scene quickly.”

The Coastguard crew also recovered the capsized boat and brought it back to shore.

While lifejackets were onboard the vessel, none of the occupants were wearing them at the time of the incident.

“This could have ended very differently,” James said. 

“Lifejackets save lives and wearing them is the single most important thing you can do.”

Coastguard Clyde volunteers and ambulance personnel responded after a boat capsized on Lake Dunstan on Thursday evening, with six people rescued from the water. Images: Supplied

With summer bringing increased activity on local waterways, Coastguard is reminding boaties to wear a lifejacket at all times, carry at least two reliable waterproof ways to call for help, check the weather before heading out, avoid alcohol, and ensure boats are loaded within safe limits.