This summer, whether you're out on the sea in a boat, enjoying the refreshing waters of Otago’s stunning lakes and rivers, taking friends or family for a swim at your favourite spot, or walking the dog near a local waterway — make the most of it and have fun.
But remember, safety comes first. Activities on or near water have their safety risks, so we've put together some essential safety tips and things to avoid to help you have a safe and memorable summer.
Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding can be a thrilling and relaxing way to connect with nature over summer, but safety should always be a top priority.
Whether you're an experienced boatie or just getting started, it’s important to familiarise yourself with local boating regulations and safety precautions before setting out.
In addition to properly maintaining your boat, checking safety equipment, ensure you’re aware of other water users, such as swimmers and kayakers.
By following these safety guidelines below, you can ensure a fun and safe adventure on the water this summer.
- Always wear your life jacket
- Take two waterproof ways to call for help
- Check the marine weather forecast
- Avoid alcohol
- Be a responsible skipper
A bar is a build-up of sand at the entrance of a river or estuary. Bar crossings can be dangerous for even the most experienced skippers.
Watch the video below to find out how to cross a bar safely.
We have a great series of safer boating videos on our Youtube channel to help with advice ranging from how to use a killcord to ways to stay in contact.
Recreational water use
Whether you're paddling, powering, or anything in between, safety is paramount. Check out our advice on recreational boating basics to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Check, Clean, Dry
CHECK your gear and remove pests. CLEAN your gear thoroughly. DRY it for 48 hours before moving to another waterway!
Protect our Paradise
Do you know what’s lurking beneath your boat? The ORC Biosecurity team works hard to stop harmful pests from spreading in Otago’s coastline and helps people learn how to keep these pests out.
Swimming this summer?
Before you make splash, check the weekly water quality results at Otago’s most popular swimming spots by visiting LAWA at:
Water quality and conditions can change quickly, so to help keep you, your family, and your pets well this summer, follow the swim smart checklist:
- Avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain as run-off can be washed into waterways.
- Follow any warning signs and check the LAWA website
- Check the water is clean and clear
- Stay away from any pipes, culverts, and flocks of birds
- Check for hazards
- Know how to spot toxic algae in rivers or lakes so you can avoid it
Can I swim here?
LAWA monitors the water quality for around 850 beach, river and lake sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand over summer. View latest results on the LAWA website here.
Toxic algae
Toxic algae in rivers form brown or black mats, while in lakes they make the water look murky or like "pea soup" with green scums on the surface. Both are harmful to humans and animals
Toxic algae warnings
Naturally occurring algae can be toxic and harmful to human and animal health. Learn more about toxic algae and see a list of sighted and confirmed areas with toxic algae in Otago.
Known also as cyanobacteria, toxic algae are naturally occurring, often blooming in warm, summertime conditions in lakes and rivers.
Toxic algae can be harmful to humans, and is especially dangerous to animals, such as dogs.
Please take care if walking your dog near any waterways. Keep them away from anything that resembles toxic algae.
Don’t go swimming in areas with toxic algae present.
Check for toxic algae warnings in your area.
Known toxic algae hotspots in Otago
Rivers:
- Silver Stream, Mosgiel
- Cardrona River, Central Otago
- Manuherekia River, Central Otago
- Hāwea River, Central Otago
- Waianakarua River, North Otago
Lakes:
- Lake Waihola, Dunedin
- Tomahawk Lagoon, Dunedin
- Butchers Dam, Central Otago
How to spot toxic algae
In lakes it gives the water a murky green appearance like pea soup.
In rivers it looks like dark brown tar mats on the riverbed and banks that can have a strong musty smell which attracts dogs.
What to do if your pet dog has eaten toxic algae
Please take care if walking your dog near any waterways to keep them away from anything that resembles toxic algae.
If you think your dog has eaten toxic algae, treat it like an emergency and contact your vet immediately. Signs may include lethargy, muscle tremors, fast breathing, twitching, paralysis or convulsions.
Report possible sightings of toxic algae
To report suspected toxic algae blooms, take a photo and call ORC’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 474 082.
Freshwater pests, such as lagarosiphon and didymo, can spread across Otago by your activities in and around waterways.
If you’re moving your gear between waterways, you must always clean all gear that has come into contact with water – use the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method below to help stop freshwater pests spreading.
Check
Remove any algae or plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank) or put it in the rubbish. Don’t wash plant material down any drain.
Clean
There’s more than one option for cleaning your gear – choose the best one for your situation and your gear.
Dry
Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it (didymo can survive for months on moist gear).
Check, Clean, Dry
CHECK your gear and remove pests. CLEAN your gear thoroughly. DRY it for 48 hours before moving to another waterway!
Freshwater pests
Know your hornwort from your lagarosiphon? ORC’s Biosecurity team actively combats freshwater pests to safeguard our waterways, including initiatives such as the Check, Clean, Dry program. Let’s keep our aquatic ecosystems thriving.
Marine pests
Marine pests are sneaking into Otago’s waters, posing a serious threat to our native species, marine industries, and treasured coastlines. Let’s work together to keep Otago’s waters safe and pest-free!
Download and print (or save to your phone) our helpful Check, Clean, Dry pocket guide before you head out.
