Swimmers say the fines are over the top, and both sides are calling for more lake-user education.
Swimmers are also upset over a hardline call to disqualify triathletes from Challenge Wanaka in January if they are found training on the course outside set times.
Queenstown Lakes harbourmaster Marty Black said, when contacted, he believed he would have discretion to impose $500 instant fines on swimmers once the new navigation and safety bylaw takes effect next month.
Swimmers had to be as responsible as boat skippers about safety, he said.
But swimmers would probably not be fined except in "extreme cases" such as disrupting a yacht race or where swimmers were in open water without fluorescent colours, he said.
"As it gets busier, it's got to be safe. If we run over and kill someone that is terrible. Even one death is unacceptable," Mr Black said.
Mr Black confirmed he proposed athlete disqualification but Challenge Wanaka organisers had not agreed with him.
There would be more discussions, he said.
But it was "absolute rubbish" to suggest he or volunteers would patrol the lake and slap fines on swimmers.
Lake users said yesterday they wanted to work together constructively without restricting each others' enjoyment.
Swimmers said many did wear coloured caps, swim in groups or take kayak escorts but there would always be some who, for various reasons, did not.
They support the creation of a designated swimming area in Roys Bay and were surprised to learn of the punitive measures.
Swimmers did not go out "with aqua camouflage on, looking for trouble", swimmer Ben Bagley said in an email.
"They have got to be joking. Fines, disqualification from the event? What a load of rubbish! . . .
Is it too much to ask that a tiny dedicated area . . . be put aside for people to use without the fear of becoming prop chop suey."
But many agreed the Wanaka Yacht and Power Boat Club had a good case for calling for more education, following a "swimmer rage" incident during a Thursday night yacht club race two weeks ago, when a swimmer gestured and spoke abusively to officials when asked to move off the race course.
The club's safety officer, Peter Rhodes, said 28 boats were about to start racing when the unidentified man was noticed, 220m off shore in a 4m to 5m easterly swell.
Mr Rhodes said the safety boat's role was to identify obstacles to sailors and warn swimmers or fallen water-skiers a fast-moving yacht was coming their way.
Often swimmers were concerned when a safety boat came alongside but once told of the concern, understood they were being protected, Mr Rhodes said.
"We are not, and do not wish to be, policemen of the water, he said. Swimmer and sailor David Strang shares both camps' concerns.
"All we ask is self-responsibility. From a yachting point of view, without armbands and fluoro caps you are virtually invisible. Swimmers should be able to do their thing and yachties do theirs. But personally, I think a $500 fine is a bit over the top," he said.
Swimmer Anna-Kate Hutter and Constable Mike Johnston have been working with Mr Black and the Wanaka Community Board to identify the Roys Bay swimming area.
Mrs Hutter has received at least 39 responses from swimmers supporting it.
Their submissions will be tabled at the Wanaka Community Board meeting on November 18.
• The reporter declares her interest as an open water swimmer
Key points
- Yacht and boat users want swimmers to take extra precautions to be safe in the water. Swimmers demand boat users also step up their game.
- Wanaka Community Board working party and lake user groups are working on proposals to designate a boat-free swimming area in Roys Bay. Proposals will be put to the board on November 19.
- New bylaws from December 1 introduce $500 instant penalties (discretionary) and extend the 5-knot speed zone to 200m offshore.
- Harbourmaster Marty Black is seeking training restrictions on Challenge Wanaka athletes and disqualification for lack of compliance. A meeting has been scheduled with event organisers next week.
