Maritime NZ to probe latest jetski fatality

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) will investigate a fatal jetski collision on Lake Ruataniwha, in the central South Island, in conjunction with police.

Mother-of-two Leslie Fay Visser, 38, of Rangiora, northwest of Christchurch, was killed on Sunday when her jetski was run over by another being ridden by her husband, Gavin Visser.

Mr Visser recovered his wife from the water and rode with her on his jetski to the rowing complex boat ramp where attempts to resuscitate her proved unsuccessful.

A family friend and the couple's two children aged seven and 10 were at the lake but did not see the 2.40pm collision.

MNZ spokesman Steve Corbett said today an investigator was on his way to Lake Ruataniwha in the Mackenzie Country.

"Obviously we'll be looking to see exactly what happened and find out if there's any lessons that can be learnt," he said.

"It looks at this stage that it's a tragic reminder about speed and awareness, but until we know the specific circumstances, there's not a lot more we can say."

Mr Corbett said Sunday's incident was only the second jetski fatality since 2002.

That fatality, on Tairua Harbour on the Coromandel Peninsula, in December 2002, also involved a jetskier turning in front of another jetskier.

Meanwhile, the Canterbury regional council says congestion among recreational water users on Lake Ruataniwha is becoming a problem.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) acting regional harbourmaster Tony Whitely said today the lake had designated areas for jetskiing, waterskiing, swimming and rowing.

"They've all got separate areas out there... but we can't actually stop people going on to the water," he said.

Enforcement officers contracted by ECan made every effort to ensure those using the lake obeyed maritime safety rules.

"We can advise at the boat ramp that the lake is becoming congested, but that's about as far as we can go. It's up to people to abide by maritime safety rules and local bylaws."

The ECan enforcement officers also handed out pamphlets and tried to advise people who appeared to be novice boat users about maritime regulations.

Mr Whitely said the lake appeared to be getting more congested than previously.

"I think everyone seems to have got a boat or jetski for Christmas."

He said it appeared an anomaly that road users required a driver's licence and their vehicle had to be registered, whereas a 15-year-old could take control of "the biggest recreational boat around with 300 or 400 horsepower on the back and drive straight out with no training at all".

"Maybe that's going to have to be looked at in the near future."

Rowing New Zealand chief executive Craig Ross told NZPA he was unaware of Sunday's fatality but would seek an informal report on congestion issues from affiliated body South Island Rowing which had regatta management rights for the lake.

Mr Ross said Lake Ruataniwha was used by many South Island rowing associations, schools and clubs for training camps and two national regattas were held there each year.

"Providing everyone is abiding by maritime safety rules, there shouldn't be these issues," he said.

Mr Ross said rowers often encountered recreational waterskiiers and jetskiers, which were generally regarded as a "nuisance and a menace" but they also had a right to use the country's waterways.

- NZPA