A near drowning on the Clutha River yesterday evening (Tuesday December 29) is a sober warning for people to be prepared on and around our waterways.

Queenstown Lakes District harbourmaster Marty Black said the incident involved three or four teenage girls on inflatables, who were trapped by a willow tree near the rope swing below the Albert Town camping ground.

Long term Albert Town resident Dave Vass witnessed the incident at approximately 6.30pm, during which one of the girls’ father was able to rescue the group, and raised the alarm with the harbourmaster.

“We’re working with the Otago Regional Council (ORC) to see if we can get the tree removed,” Marty said.

Harbourmaster staff will be patrolling the river all day. PHOTO: Supplied

He described the tree as a “quite pronounced willow tree” near the bank, just above the top side of the camping ground.

“We’ve got a patrol on the Clutha River today at all times, and the ORC is warning people to stay in the middle of the river,” he said.

“People think these rivers are benign but they can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

Fishing the Clutha River opposite the Albert Town campground. PHOTO: Wanaka App

Marty recommended people check the Maritime NZ website’s ‘Prep, check, know’ campaign to prepare themselves, whether they go swimming, boating, or kayaking.

“It is good for all waterway users,” he said.

“Wanaka’s been quite busy,” Marty said, and one issue which has arisen during the past few days is the ski lane at Eely Point.

“Don’t anchor jet skis in the ski lane at Eely Point. We only allow jet skis [to launch there] if they go straight in and out.”

Marty also noted his disappointment in three “wayward” jetboaters who went up the Hunter River on Monday.

“Despite being talked to by a Fish & Game ranger at the mouth, they went straight up. It is really disappointing that people blatantly ignore that advice and go up there. From the photos we have we should be able to locate them.”

Jet boats are allowed on the Hunter River from November 1 to December 12, then from March 9 to April 30.

“A lot of consultation was involved in setting the restricted dates, which protect fly fishing,” Marty said.

Marty recommended that people get advice before setting out on any water-based adventure.