This summer, enjoy Otago’s stunning lakes and rivers — swimming, boating, or just walking the dog by the water. But remember, fun comes with risks, so check out our tips to keep your summer adventures safe and memorable.
Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are great ways to enjoy the water and connect with nature over summer, but safety should always come first.
Whether you're an experienced boatie or just getting started, it’s important to familiarise yourself with local boating regulations and safety precautions before setting out.
In addition to properly maintaining your boat, checking safety equipment, being aware of other water users, make sure you have the right local knowledge and skillset for boating manoeuvres such as crossing the bar.
By following these safety guidelines below, you can ensure a fun and safe adventure on the water this summer.
- Always wear your life jacket
- Take two waterproof ways to call for help
- Check the marine weather forecast
- Avoid alcohol
- Be a responsible skipper
We have a great series of safer boating videos on our Youtube channel with advice ranging from how to use a killcord to ways to stay in contact while out on the water.
Swimming this summer?
Before you make splash, check the weekly water quality results at Otago’s most popular swimming spots by visiting LAWA at:
LAWA TESTING LINK Can I Swim Here?
Water quality and conditions can change quickly, so to help keep you, your family, and your pets well this summer, follow the swim smart checklist:
- Avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain as run-off can be washed into waterways.
- Follow any warning signs and check the LAWA website
- Check the water is clean and clear
- Stay away from any pipes, culverts, and flocks of birds
- Check for hazards
- Know how to spot toxic algae in rivers or lakes so you can avoid it
Known also as cyanobacteria, toxic algae are naturally occurring, often blooming in warm, summertime conditions in lakes and rivers.
Toxic algae can be harmful to humans, and is especially dangerous to animals, such as dogs.
Please take care if walking your dog near any waterways. Keep them away from anything that resembles toxic algae.
Don’t go swimming in areas with toxic algae present.
Check for toxic algae warnings, learn how to spot toxic algae and which swimming areas in Otago can be toxic algae hotspots.
Freshwater pests, such as lagarosiphon and didymo, can spread across Otago by your activities in and around waterways.
If you’re moving your gear between waterways, you must always clean all gear that has come into contact with water – use the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method below to help stop freshwater pests spreading.
Check
Remove any algae or plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank) or put it in the rubbish. Don’t wash plant material down any drain.
Clean
There’s more than one option for cleaning your gear – choose the best one for your situation and your gear.
Dry
Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it (didymo can survive for months on moist gear).
Recreational water use
Whether you're paddling, powering, or anything in between, safety is paramount. Check out our advice on recreational boating basics to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember: prep your vessel, check your gear, know the rules, and always have a plan. Let's keep our waters safe for everyone.
Can I swim here?
LAWA monitors the water quality for around 850 beach, river and lake sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand over summer. View latest results on the LAWA website here.
Check, Clean, Dry
ORC’s Biosecurity team work hard to prevent freshwater pests from entering and spreading throughout our waterways.
Protect our Paradise
Do you know what’s lurking beneath your boat? The ORC Biosecurity team works hard to stop harmful pests from spreading in Otago’s coastline and helps people learn how to keep these pests out.
Toxic algae sightings
Naturally occurring algae can be toxic and harmful to human and animal health. Learn more about toxic algae and see a list of sighted and confirmed areas with toxic algae in Otago.
Toxic algae
test pages
Safer boating
Enjoying the water this summer? Whether you're boating, kayaking or paddleboarding, make safety your top priority. Check local conditions, wear a life jacket, and know the risks — especially when crossing river bars like at Taieri Mouth.
Safer swimming
Thinking of swimming this summer? Before diving in, check the latest water quality results on the LAWA website. Rain, birds, and runoff can affect our rivers and lakes — so swim smart to stay safe.
Safer water
Stay safe and protect our waterways. Otago’s lakes and rivers are great places to swim, paddle, and explore—but they need our care. Be on the lookout for toxic algae, keep your pets safe, and help stop the spread of freshwater pests like didymo and lagarosiphon by following the Check, Clean, Dry method when moving between waterways.
