On Wednesday, Otago Southland coroner David Crerar looked into the death of Kevin Donald Croad (48), of Gore, who drowned in Lake Onslow last year while not wearing a life jacket.
Mr Crerar said everyone who used a small boat, no matter their age or how calm the water was, should wear a life jacket. Marty Black and his deputy, Dave Black, agreed yesterday.
Both men were at pains to emphasise three basic rules for water users on lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka and Hawea and their associated waterways.
"Know the rules, comply with the rules and wear a life jacket," Marty Black said.
The pair began a regime of rigorously issuing infringement notices last summer; a strategy they say will be in full effect again this year.
"That same rigour will be applied this year. We've been trying to educate people for the past couple of years but sometimes only a fine or infringement notice has any effect," Dave Black said.
"We just want to get this life jacket thing home to people," he said.
Already, in the past two weeks, eight infringement notices have been issued and the pair warn the fines should not be taken lightly: non-payment after 28 days could lead to a criminal conviction.
This summer, they will be keeping special watch on the restricted section of the Shotover River, which can be accessed only with a permit and is protected by alarms and cameras. Unauthorised intruders can expect an automatic $500 fine.
Marty Black also warned that Southern lakes were "not swimming pools", as water temperatures stayed chilly through summer and lakes could be whipped up by bad weather.
His advice: "Use common sense."
QLDC boat safety tips
• Check the boat, engine and equipment before heading out on to the water.
• Check the weather forecast before leaving.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Know the rules - get a copy of the Waterways Bylaw.
• Never overload the boat.
• Make sure there are enough life jackets on board for everyone on the boat.
• Make sure you have an anchor, bailer, spare fuel, torch and warm clothing on the boat.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Always have two means of communication - for example, a cellphone and flares.
