With a stretch of warm, settled weather ahead, Queenstown Lakes District’s Harbourmaster is reminding those venturing out on our lakes and rivers to wear a lifejacket all the time.

That includes those on paddleboards, kayaks, blow-up dinghys, jetskis, and anyone waterskiing. All small craft 6 metres and less are covered by the rule.

“Wearing a bum bag-style lifejacket around your waist isn’t enough. It must be worn over your head and done up tightly to comply with the Council’s Waterways Bylaw.” Marty Black says.

There’s a $300 fine for not wearing a lifejacket.

“We are seeing more people using their heads and acting safely on the water. But some still seem to think they’re immune from drowning. No one is immune and we’ve seen many examples of people getting into trouble when conditions change,” he said. 

For those in doubt about the rules, the QLDC Navigation Safety Bylaw is online at www.qldc.govt.nz.