ORC Harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook said the busiest boating season runs from mid-October through to February, and his team would be out across the region talking to boaties encouraging safe behaviour on Otago’s waterways.

Mr Rushbrook said a key focus for his team would be to educate recreational boat users to understand the new lifejacket requirements which came into force earlier this month.

Under the new rules, everyone on a recreational craft of six metres or less must wear a properly fitted lifejacket while the vessel is underway.

“The legislation is intended to save lives and reduce preventable harm on the water this summer,” Mr Rushbrook said.

It's been reported that in 2025, 17 people died in recreational craft incidents in New Zealand. Twelve of those people were found not to be wearing a lifejacket.

He said the message for anyone heading out on a boat this summer remains simple: wear a properly fitted lifejacket, carry two reliable forms of communication and check the weather forecast.

The five key messages of the Boating Safety Code to follow include:

• Wear your lifejacket

• Take two waterproof ways to call for help

• Check the marine weather forecast

• Avoid alcohol

• Be a responsible skipper

He also reminded people to also make sure they were prepared to safely cross a coastal bar where relevant.

While out enjoying waterways people are also being reminded that they can play an important role in stopping the spread of freshwater pests.

ORC will have Check, Clean, Dry ambassadors out and about across Central Otago over summer, visiting rivers, lakes, swimming holes, fishing spots and water-based events.

“Whether you are swimming, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing or heading out on a boat, taking a few minutes to Check, Clean, Dry can make a real difference,” he said.

Aquatic pests can hitchhike between waterways on boats, kayaks, fishing equipment, inflatable toys and other gear.

Once established, aquatic pests can be difficult and expensive to remove, so stopping them from spreading in the first place is the best approach.

The message is simple:

• CHECK your gear for unwanted pests and remove them.

• CLEAN your gear thoroughly.

• DRY your gear for at least 48 hours before moving to another waterway.

As more people head out to enjoy the outdoors and onto the water ORC will also be preparing to undertake a variety of work around water safety testing.