A 45-year-old woman was pulled from the river and CPR performed on the bank after she got into trouble about 4pm yesterday.
She was flown to Dunedin Hospital last night where her condition was described as moderate.
Queenstown Lakes harbourmaster Marty Black said a group was paddling near Deans Bank when the woman’s board wrapped around a 5 knot marker buoy, dragging her under the water.
Connected to the board by an ankle-leash the woman was unable to free herself, Mr Black said.
The owner of Paddle Wanaka, the business the group had hired the equipment from, was following close behind on a jet-ski and was able to cut her free.
‘‘It wasn’t really a commercial trip but he was doing the right thing and providing a bit of back-up and saved the day, so we’re are absolutely delighted,’’ Mr Black said.
The company owner did not want to comment when contacted last night.
Before being pulled from the river, the woman had swallowed lot of water and CPR was performed before emergency services arrived, Mr Black said.
The group was not on an official tour and had been given a safety briefing.
While the group was well organised and wearing lifejackets, the incident showed how dangerous the river could be, he said.
‘‘I don’t want to wind this thing up but the message we want to get out there is don’t wear a leg-leash, wear a body harness instead or whatever else you can.’’
A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to Hikuwai Dr, near Albert Town, at 4.10pm.
St John paramedics and Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade members also attended the incident.
WorkSafe would be notified, the spokeswoman said.
