Environment Canterbury is proposing short term navigation safety regulations for Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel to be trialled over the summer. The proposals are in response to concerns from the public and Environment Canterbury’s boat safety team about the hazards facing water users, especially for non-powered craft.
The main features of the temporary regulations, which would be reviewed after one year, include restricting areas for powered craft, but allowing all craft to travel at five knots or less when within 50 metres of shore (currently 200 metres), new zones for launching and landing of water skiers and the removal of the jetski only area.
Environment Canterbury navigation safety committee chair Cr Bronwen Murray said that with the increasing popularity of boating, more people are visiting the Waitaki lakes each summer, increasing safety issues.
"When you start getting really high use of the lakes, there is a need to separate powered craft from non-powered boating activity, otherwise it's just a serious accident waiting to happen," said Cr Murray.
The Waitaki Lakes Shoreline Authorities Committee, which represents all of the agencies with an interest in the Waitaki lakes, is aware of the increased safety concerns, particularly relating to rowers on Lake Ruataniwha and has worked with Environment Canterbury to come up with the new temporary regulations.
Cr Murray said the proposed by-law temporary changes for Lake Ruataniwha will be open for public consultation, after which any adjustments will be made, and a full review of the bylaw will occur in the first half of 2010. The trial will be monitored with the results being used as a basis for longer term changes in the wider bylaw review process.
Environment Canterbury is inviting members of the public to make submissions on the proposal and the closing date is Friday November 6, 2009. Information explaining the proposal and submission forms are available by calling Environment Canterbury Customer Services on phone 0800 324 636. Submissions can be made online from Thursday 22 October 2009.
In addition, Environment Canterbury is reminding boat users throughout all Canterbury lakes and water ways to be aware of the safety guidelines. This includes always wearing lifejackets; keeping a look out at all times as accidents can happen very quickly, always having an observer when towing skis or biscuits and of keeping speed down to five knots (less than 10km/hr) when near the shore, wharves, other boats and people in the water.
For more information contact Cr Bronwen Murray, Environment Canterbury Navigational Safety Committee Chair, 027 206 2878.