The issue of safety during peak holiday periods on Lake Ruataniwha, where a death occurred in January 2006, has again been raised, with changes to navigation rules being trialled this summer.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is proposing short-term navigation safety regulations for the lake over summer.
ECan navigation safety committee chairwoman Cr Bronwen Murray said with the increasing popularity of boating, more people were visiting the Waitaki lakes each summer.
"When you start getting really high use of the lakes, there is a need to separate powered craft from non-powered boating activity, otherwise it's just a serious accident waiting to happen," she said.
The main features of the temporary regulations, which would be reviewed after one year, include restricting areas for powered craft; requiring all craft to travel at five knots or less only when within 50m of the shore (at present 200m); new zones for launching and landing water skiers; and the removal of the jet ski-only area.
The Waitaki Lakes Shoreline Authorities Committee, representing all agencies with an interest in the Waitaki lakes, was aware of the increased safety concerns, particularly relating to rowers on Lake Ruataniwha, and worked with Environment Canterbury to come up with the new temporary regulations.
Cr Murray said the proposed temporary changes to the bylaw for Lake Ruataniwha would be open for public consultation, after which any adjustments would be made.
A full review of the bylaw would occur in the first half of next year.
The trial would be monitored, with the results used as a basis for longer-term changes.
ECan wanted public submissions on the proposal by Friday, November 6.
