The Queenstown Lakes District Council will be adopting a zero tolerance policy this summer over lifejackets.

In July this year the Council successfully took two landmark cases under the Queenstown Lakes District Waterways Navigation and Safety Bylaw 2003, resulting in three convictions. Two men were convicted and fined for wakeboarding without a spotter, while a third man was convicted and fined for not carrying sufficient lifejackets appropriate for the size of each person on board.

Two fresh prosecutions are now in the court system.

"Lifejackets must be carried to properly fit each person aboard any boat. Any child under the age of 10 years must wear a lifejacket at all times. That is the law and our policy is zero tolerance," QLDC harbourmaster Marty Black said.

Boaties could expect to be stopped and checks made.

"Last summer we embarked on more of an education programme and warnings were issued, this summer if you break the law it will cost you in the pocket, that's got to be better than the cost of losing your life or that of a loved one? Mr Black said.

The Council's preference was to see people carry lifejackets to wear them, particularly in inclement weather or rough lake conditions.

"It's a proven fact lifejackets save lives. Make putting on your lifejacket part of your boating routine, just like wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle," Mr Black said.

Meanwhile an incident on Lake Wakatipu on Thursday also highlighted the fact that people heading out on the lake alone should either carry a cell phone or have someone keep an 'eye out' onshore.

"We had a windsurfer in the water for three hours off Jacks Point before the alarm was finally raised. He's lucky to be here to tell the tale as he had no means of calling for assistance," Mr Black said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Marty Black 0274 345 289.

By: Kiri