Coastguard Wanaka Lakes president Jonathan Walmisley continues to encourage people fishing from the shore to wear life jackets in case they trip or fall. 

A search is currently ongoing for a fisherman who went missing on Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy on Sunday (July 12). The man was last seen fishing near the shore before he went missing.

The Police Dive Squad arrived yesterday (Monday July 13) to search for the man. 

Jonathan recalled the death of respected Wanaka resident and former Wanaka Community Board member Ken Copland, who drowned in 2013 during a fly-fishing expedition at the Makarora River delta.

In his report, the coroner had recommended fishermen wear lifejackets, and Jonathan reiterated that advice. 

“We really encourage fishermen to wear a lifejacket in case they fall and trip into the water,” Jonathan said. 

While boaties must wear life jackets on the water, it was sensible to do the same from the shore, he said. 

Jonathan said the Coastguard had attended a rescue over the weekend at Lake Wanaka, but he was pleased to report that the boaties “did everything right” and the only casualty was the loss of their boat. 

Two hunters, who had headed out by boat on a hunting trip, found that although the lake was calm near town, there were swells of two or more metres and strong winds past Mou Waho.

With a “completely flooded” boat, the hunters climbed two hours to a ridgeline to get a signal and call for help.

Because they called for help during the day the hunters were able to be successfully rescued. 

“It’s always easier and safer for Coastguard during the day,” Jonathan said.

Don’t wait if you’re in trouble, Jonathan said: “Our message is don’t be frightened to call for help”.

The “flooded” boat would be recovered by the hunters with the help of a friend.

PHOTO: Wanaka App