Tragic drownings highlight lake dangers
The Rees River (left) and Dart River deltas, where they feed into Lake Wakatipu at Glenorchy. Stock photo: Unsplash
Warning signs have been erected at the waterfront in Glenorchy after two people drowned in near identical circumstances, just six days apart.
An Australian man's body was recovered by police divers on Friday after he went missing in the water about 4pm Thursday afternoon.
He'd entered Lake Wakatipu, close to where the Rees River feeds in, to help a child in trouble.
The child was saved by another member of the public but the man did not surface and, despite the efforts of other swimmers, people on jet boats, and a helicopter, could not be found.
Just a week before, Leroy Kaaho, 48, died near the same spot. Kaaho, also known as Linkin Kisling, was trying to save his 10-year-old son, who was eventually rescued by a member of the public.
Both deaths have been referred to the coroner. It is likely both men were pulled under by a strong barrelling undertow current at a steep drop off, where water flows into the lake from the river.
Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson Sam White says signs were put up on the foreshore on Friday to warn the public of potential risks before they enter the water.
"These will be followed by posters for toilet doors and consideration of further signage at other appropriate locations."
But, as of Friday, the council was still working with other agencies to consider whether more safety equipment should be installed at the foreshore, such as life rings and flotation devices.
After the first drowning, Glenorchy locals placed a makeshift sign on the foreshore warning of the dangers.
Asked why it had taken QLDC a week to act, White says: "Council began taking action immediately after the first incident.
"Signage had already been scheduled for install today [Friday] after council staff had worked through the appropriate messaging, design, production and install location."
While there have been 19 drownings in New Zealand so far this summer, including five in 48 hours last week at Auckland beaches, incidents in Lake Wakatipu are relatively rare.
But the glacial-formed lakes and rivers have their own specific hazards including fast-changing conditions, cold water, steep drop offs and dynamic water flows around rivers and gorges.
White says QLDC encourages everyone to check for available advice before entering the water, with useful resources provided by Water Safety NZ and other agencies.
