KEY POINTS:
A recreational jetboat driver who exceeded 140km/h on Lake Te Anau has been called crazy and irresponsible by Southland harbourmaster Kevin O'Sullivan.
Police radar recorded the Te Anau man, aged between 30 and 40, doing 16 times the legal speed limit of 9km/h (five knots) near the Blue Gum Point boat harbour on Tuesday evening.
He was just 5m from the shoreline. It is illegal to travel at more than five knots within 200m of the lake edge, unless it is a designated water ski lane.
"It's crazy behaviour as far as we are concerned ... he was acting completely irresponsibly," said Mr O'Sullivan.
"There were not many other boats around, but there could have been a kayak. A kayak would have just been history if it was collected at that speed, or people could have been paddling in the water as they have every right to do."
Mr O'Sullivan understood the man was training in his "very, very high-powered jetboat" for some forthcoming time trials in the United States.
It was not the first time he had received reports of the man travelling at great speeds near the shoreline.
"It's pretty disappointing. We've put pamphlets on the ramps - it's quite clear you can't exceed five knots within 200m of the shore."
Sergeant Tod Hollebon said the man had been spoken to by police and the incident had been referred to the harbourmaster. Mr O'Sullivan said the man could receive a $500 infringement fee and face prosecution.
"We will be taking action against the driver once we get some more information."
Mr O'Sullivan said the only time such speeds were allowed on Lake Te Anau was during the Gore Boat Club's time trials, which were signposted and attended by the harbourmaster.
Mr Hollebon also described the man's driving as "out of line".
"The message is quite clear that water safety is a big issue at this time of year.
"A lot of it comes down to common sense and most boaties are wise to water safety."
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
