It was difficult to know exactly how many vessels were on the lake, but it was estimated ''dozens and dozens'' of boats were out each day, including some boats brought from Wanaka and Queenstown, Mr Hitchcock said.
Most boat users were well behaved, but several warnings and lots of reminders had been issued since Boxing Day, which was when lake use increased each year, he said.
All the warnings had been issued to new boat owners, and were all for speeding too close to other boats and swimmers, Mr Hitchcock said. Often, new boat owners were unaware of basic boating rules before heading to the water, he said.
All warnings and reminders had an education focus, and no $250 fines had been issued.
He encouraged boaties to enjoy the lake and observe the main three rules: to keep right, travel anti-clockwise and not to exceed five knots when within 50m of another vessel, raft or swimmer.
''It's good to see the boaties out there and using all their toys, but I just urge them to be responsible. Skippers must look where they're going, and if towing a biscuit or water-skiers, an observer must watch the people behind the boat.''
Lake usage was expected to rise over the New Year period, and he would be stationed on the lake every day over summer, Mr Hitchcock said.
