Coastguard New Zealand said Coastguard Queenstown volunteers were alerted on Saturday afternoon by a family that their boat had been swamped at Bob’s Cove after they had beached the boat.
The family had been packing up to head back to Queenstown when a sudden southerly swell beached their vessel at the southern end of the cove.
When the coastguard arrived, volunteers secured and towed the boat back to the marina.
The family returned home safe and well.
Coastguard Queenstown president Johnny Quinn said the skipper’s quick thinking and decision not to head out into the large swell allowed the crew to respond effectively and prevent the situation from escalating.
"This incident serves as a timely reminder for everyone on Lake Wakatipu to check their equipment, ensure their vessels are well maintained, wear a lifejacket, and stay informed about the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly on the lake."
— APL
