All people using small boats on Waitaki lakes and Canterbury waterways on holiday during Queen's Birthday weekend will have to wear life jackets or face paying fines.
Jack Malcolm can not understand what all the fuss is about.
There is nothing to stop councils enforcing changes to local bylaws making the wearing of life jackets compulsory before national rules catch up, some regional harbourmasters say.
Two jet ski-related accidents last weekend have once again highlighted the dangers presented by the high-powered "personal watercraft" and add to a growing toll of injuries and fatalities caused by them.
An experienced kayaker from Europe "who should have known better", was levied an instant $300 fine for not wearing a life jacket on the rough waters of Lake Wakatipu, in Queenstown, yesterday.
Authorities are urging parents to stay within arm's reach of their children around water after two toddlers drowned in separate incidents.
People in small boats on Waitaki lakes and rivers are being advised to practice getting used to wearing life jackets this summer before a new bylaw is introduced on April 1.
The predictions are for a long, hot summer, so the fact that drowning - in beaches, rivers and lakes - is the third-leading cause of unintentional death in this country is no small cause for concern. Shane Gilchrist reports.
Queenstown Lakes District harbour master Marty Black is taking a strict line on life jackets this summer.
At least a dozen rescues on recent hot days in Dunedin has prompted surf lifesavers to warn residents to be extra careful at the beach.
Swimming instructor Garth Fowler last week had a challenge convincing about 60 year 5 and 6 Arrowtown School pupils that the Kawarau River's icy waters were warm enough to jump into, as he took them through an emergency scenario which involved being thrown from the Kawarau Jet.
Enhancing communication and safety on the waterways are among the aims of a full-scale multi-agency search and rescue exercise to take place in Queenstown on Saturday.
A company wanting to start a water ball tourist business on Lake Wanaka will first have to demonstrate the operation to the satisfaction of the Wanaka Community Board, it was decided on Tuesday.
Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster Marty Black supports a coroner's warning on the importance of life jackets.
Central Otago primary school pupils are splashing into their nearest swimming pool for lessons wearing a full set of clothing, including footwear.
A major party involved in hearings on 110 applications to use water, mainly for irrigation, in the upper Waitaki catchment has had no contact with the applicants over conditions on any resource consents that may be granted.
Dunedin's water pipes must be upgraded before oil shocks intensify and worldwide energy prices surge, a draft paper prepared for the city council suggests.
Marine search and rescue (MSAR) teams carried out fewer missions around Dunedin last year, but spent more time doing them.
Farmers should not expect any sudden changes to rules governing fresh water management following last week's report by the Land and Water Forum, according to the Otago Regional Council.
Most Otago waterways are safe to swim in - most of the time, a report card for last summer shows.
