The Coastguard said in a statement yesterday Coastguard’s national operations centre received a report at 8.15pm on Saturday from police of a capsized vessel and a person in the water. Five Coastguard Wānaka volunteers responded immediately aboard Waiariki Rescue, launching within 13 to 14 minutes of being called.
Initial information about the man’s location was varied, with police relaying updates as the man remained on the phone. His wife also came to the Coastguard Wānaka base and helped pinpoint his exact position in the Roys Bay area.
Once on the water, the crew made their way to the search area in challenging conditions, with strong winds, around one metre of swell and poor visibility.
‘‘We conducted a search and spotted him very quickly,’’ said Coastguard Wānaka president and skipper Dave Brown.
The man was found in the water, clinging to a seat cushion for flotation.
He was dressed in heavy camouflage hunting clothing, which made him difficult to see. When rescuers reached him, he was suffering from hypothermia.
Water temperatures on the lake were around 10°C and it was believed the man may have been in the water for up to an hour.
‘‘Our crew got him out of the water, into warm clothing and blankets, and began treatment straight away before transporting him back to the marina, where he was handed over to ambulance staff,’’ Mr Brown said.
The ambulance crew checked the man’s health. He did not need any more medical assistance.
The experienced rescue crew included a doctor.
‘‘He got the best care possible — you couldn’t get any better in those circumstances.’’
‘‘He was pretty lucky.’’
Coastguard is reminding all boaties to wear a lifejacket at all times and to check weather conditions before heading out.
‘‘The key message is simple — always wear a lifejacket. And always check the forecast.
‘‘The weather wasn’t great, and conditions can change quickly on the lake,’’ Mr Brown said.
He praised the swift and professional response of the volunteers.
‘‘It was an extremely quick and co-ordinated rescue. From launch to recovery, the crew performed exceptionally well in difficult conditions.’’ — Allied Media
