The past two sizzling hot days have meant large numbers of people taking to the waterways, including hundreds of people floating down the Clutha River from the Lake Wānaka Outlet to the Albert Town bridge.

Queenstown Lakes District harbourmaster Marty Black said more than 150 people floated down the river on Thursday, and he expected there to have been similar numbers today (Friday January 15).

Eight of them were picked up with no life jackets on Thursday, he said, and given the option to receive a $300 infringement or go to shore. 

The floaters chose to go to shore.

“We’ve been on about this long enough now: if you’re on the river, wear a life jacket,” he said.

If you’re in the river: wear a lifejacket, says harbourmaster Marty Black.

“It’s great to see them doing it, and we just want to keep them safe.”

Marty said harbourmaster staff have also been receiving complaints about noisy jet boats on still evenings.

“The noise the smaller jet boats make just about wakes the dead. It’s not acceptable when it’s a nice calm evening,” he said.

“The level is 77DBA [decibels]. If you’re in the boat, idling, and you can’t hear yourself talk: it’s too noisy.”

Marty said boat owners should be aware they can have action taken against them under the Resource Management Act.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App