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
There is also a series of safer boating videos on our Youtube channel.
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. Remember: prep your vessel, check your gear, know the rules, and always have a plan. Let's keep our waters safe for everyone.
Check Clean Dry
CHECK your gear for stowaways and remove the pests either at the site or put it in the rubbish bin. CLEAN your gear thoroughly (one way is to use 10% dishwashing detergent mixed with water and leave the item wet for 10 minutes, visit this page for more ways). DRY it for 48 hours before relocating 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 Can I Swim Here?
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 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.
If you walk your dog near a river or stream, be aware there could be potentially toxic algae on rocks or in the water.
Check for toxic algae warnings in your area.
Toxic algae are naturally occurring and can be harmful to you and your pets. It commonly blooms in warm, summertime conditions in lakes and rivers across Otago.
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.
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.
To report suspected toxic algae blooms, take a photo and call ORC’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 474 082.
Freshwater pests can be spread by your activities in and around waterways. If you're moving between waterways, you must clean all your gear using the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method below.
To prevent the spread of freshwater pests (like didymo and lagarosiphon), whenever you move between waterways you must check, clean and dry all gear that comes into contact with water. If you don’t want to treat your gear, make sure you only use it in one waterway.
Check
Remove any 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 for stowaways and remove the pests either at the site or put it in the rubbish bin. CLEAN your gear thoroughly (one way is to use 10% dishwashing detergent mixed with water and leave the item wet for 10 minutes, visit this page for more ways). DRY it for 48 hours before relocating 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!
