Warning for lake users

A near incident on Lake Wakatipu on Saturday night has prompted a warning from the Lakes District harbourmaster Marty Black.

“With the opening of the Hilton Hotel there will be regular water taxi services operating at night on Frankton Arm,” he said.

A water taxi reported encountering another craft at “close quarters” which was not using navigation lights.

“Clearly this is an accident waiting to happen. Lake users need to be aware that with more traffic on the lake it is essential that navigation lights be displayed, no matter the size of the vessel,” he said.

Particularly at risk were late night kayakers and those in small vessels.

“We will be keeping a close watch on the lake and will respond accordingly to any further reports,” Mr Black said.

Anyone found operating a vessel after dark without lights was subject to an instant $1000 fine, which could be higher depending on the circumstances.

“Either way, it’s simply not worth the risk,” Mr Black said.