From midnight on Wednesday, 27 December, 2006, the Queenstown Lakes District harbourmaster and fellow officers will have the ability to issue instant fines.

"We have been working long and hard for the last two years to get these regulations happening, it's a real breakthrough for water safety in the district," QLDC harbourmaster Marty Black said.

The harbourmaster or enforcement officer would have the ability of issuing an instant $500 fine for any of the 68 breaches listed in the schedule.

The breaches included: a person under 15 years of age being in control of a powered vessel; navigating a craft under the influence of alcohol; failing to carry sufficient lifejackets; failing to ensure all children aged 9 or under are wearing a lifejacket; failing to tow a person without a lookout; dangerous use of a craft; swimming in towing lanes; towing within a prohibited area; rules around the use of moorings; rules around commercial rafting; commercial boat trips; and the use flotation devices.

"It's really about giving people the motivation to play it safe when they are out on the water. All of the breaches are around committing offences that could cause injury or death or show an irresponsible attitude to the environment. This will give us some teeth to make sure that when people are out enjoying the summer they are eliminating the risk to themselves and to others," Mr Black said.

The new legislation would be formally notified at the weekend.

The full schedule of breaches is available from council offices in Queenstown and Wanaka, council libraries, view on the council website www.qldc.govt.nz, requesting the breaches by emailing services@qldc.govt.nz or mailing a request to QLDC.

Waterways Bylaws QLDC Private Bag 50072, Queenstown or phoning 03 441 0499.

>> View the list of breaches here (pdf 28.4kb)

ENDS

For further information please contact Marty Black 0274 345 289.

By: Sarah