Local emergency rescue services have reported far fewer call outs on the lakes so far this summer compared with a corresponding period over the last few years.

Coastguard Wānaka Lakes (CWL) has responded to only 10 or 11 calls during the height of the  summer which is “well down on previous years”, CWL president Johnathan Walmisley said.

He said although the lake was busy at the peak times around New Year, the number of lake users has dropped significantly since the second week of January.

Jonathan also observed more considerate behaviour from regular boaties, paddle boarders, kayakers and jetski riders, saying that the education programmes over the previous years were paying off as more people were observed wearing life jackets and slowing to five knots when near another craft as required.

“There are always some who don’t follow the rules but overall the behaviour was better,” he said.

The harbourmaster’s staff, provided by security firm Cougar Group for the first time, were also very visible, he said.

Queenstown Lakes District Council staff reported 33 requests for service from the public regarding water incidents over the peak period until January 15.

Two tickets were issued to boaties for using a powered craft on the Clutha River between the Outlet and the Albert Town Bridge during the prohibited period from December 1 to April 30. 

Another ticket was issued for exceeding the five knot speed limit when within 50m of another vessel on Lake Wanaka.

Jonathan said the Clutha seems to attract a number of people who want to float down the river on hot summer days: “There’s always a number of foolhardy people who don’t think they have to wear lifejackets - it might one day save your life.”

The CWL is hoping to receive its new emergency vessel, like this former America’s cup boat, by mid-March. PHOTO: Coastguard NZ

The CWL is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its replacement emergency vessel. Jonathan said it was hoped to get the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) during the summer but it’s stuck in Auckland awaiting transport south and he now expects delivery around mid March.