The region's boaties and jetskiers are continuing to ignore the water rules, prompting a warning for Rotorua lake users to take more care.
Police and the harbour master say even though the recent poor weather has resulted in fewer people on the water so far this summer, there has already been an increase in the number of infringements issued to boaties and jetskiers for breaching bylaws.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rotorua lakes harbourmaster Pererika Makiha said "irresponsible and reckless behaviour" on the water had tragic results, with one fatality and one serious incident involving jetskiers.
"Despite all the warnings, and our best efforts to educate people, a small minority of people are still putting lives at risk," Mr Makiha said.
"We are still finding boaties that are towing skiers without observers, exceeding 5 knots within 50 metres of another boat, jetski, kayak or swimmer; and speeding inside 5 knot areas.
"With the more serious cases, we work with the police in an attempt to keep people safe."
Detective Sergeant John Wilson of the Rotorua police said any behaviour warranting the intervention of the police or the harbourmaster and was of a serious nature, would result in either infringement action or, if appropriate, charges being laid.
"On the same day that the tragic fatality occurred on Lake Ohakuri, there was a collision between two jetskis on Lake Okareka which left one man unconscious in the water," Mr Wilson said.
"As a result of police inquiries into the collision on Lake Okareka, two Rotorua men now face charges under the Maritime Transport Act. This collision would almost certainly have been fatal if the man knocked off his jetski had not been wearing a lifejacket."
Mr Wilson said a decision had not yet been made as to whether charges would be laid regarding the incident on Lake Ohakuri.
Mr Makiha said he was encouraged to see that many boaties and jetskiers were getting the message about wearing life jackets.
"Skiers are reminded that wetsuits are not a substitute for a lifejacket and that the minimum requirement when using a stand-up paddle board is that a leg leash is attached to both the board and person."
For more information or to download a copy of the Bay of Plenty Navigational Safety Bylaw visit www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/water/navigation-safety.
Police and the harbour master say even though the recent poor weather has resulted in fewer people on the water so far this summer, there has already been an increase in the number of infringements issued to boaties and jetskiers for breaching bylaws.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rotorua lakes harbourmaster Pererika Makiha said "irresponsible and reckless behaviour" on the water had tragic results, with one fatality and one serious incident involving jetskiers.
"Despite all the warnings, and our best efforts to educate people, a small minority of people are still putting lives at risk," Mr Makiha said.
"We are still finding boaties that are towing skiers without observers, exceeding 5 knots within 50 metres of another boat, jetski, kayak or swimmer; and speeding inside 5 knot areas.
"With the more serious cases, we work with the police in an attempt to keep people safe."
Detective Sergeant John Wilson of the Rotorua police said any behaviour warranting the intervention of the police or the harbourmaster and was of a serious nature, would result in either infringement action or, if appropriate, charges being laid.
"On the same day that the tragic fatality occurred on Lake Ohakuri, there was a collision between two jetskis on Lake Okareka which left one man unconscious in the water," Mr Wilson said.
"As a result of police inquiries into the collision on Lake Okareka, two Rotorua men now face charges under the Maritime Transport Act. This collision would almost certainly have been fatal if the man knocked off his jetski had not been wearing a lifejacket."
Mr Wilson said a decision had not yet been made as to whether charges would be laid regarding the incident on Lake Ohakuri.
Mr Makiha said he was encouraged to see that many boaties and jetskiers were getting the message about wearing life jackets.
"Skiers are reminded that wetsuits are not a substitute for a lifejacket and that the minimum requirement when using a stand-up paddle board is that a leg leash is attached to both the board and person."
For more information or to download a copy of the Bay of Plenty Navigational Safety Bylaw visit www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/water/navigation-safety.
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