Punters wanting to test-tip the redesigned Lake Wanaka pontoon will have their chance to try to capsize the popular swimming platform in a council-controlled operation.
The pontoon was pulled from its spot off the main beach of Lake Wanaka in March because of safety concerns for swimmers, who were regularly overcrowding the floating structure to capsize it.
Queenstown Lakes District Council project manager Rob Darby has re-engineered the pontoon and is confident it cannot be capsized.
It was returned to the water on Tuesday and is moored at the Lake Wanaka marina, while the council deliberates on plans to test the pontoon's redesigned buoyancy features.
Mr Darby wants about 60 swimmers - outfitted in helmets and lifejackets - to try to tip the pontoon over, under the supervision of council harbourmaster Marty Black.
"We've got to be careful about how things are done, because we don't want anyone to get hurt ... obviously," he said.
The irony of calling for people to carry out the very actions which had the pontoon removed from the lake in the first place, was not lost on Mr Darby.
"That's why we need people to have a helmet with them.
"We want to make it as safe as possible ...
"Personally, I don't think it can be done, but we do need to test it, and this is the best way," Mr Darby said yesterday.
Pupils at Mt Aspiring College have been approached to help with the operation, which is scheduled to take place this week, Mr Darby said.
