Safe cycling

CYCLING S AF ELY

(Photo: James Jubb)

If you’re planning on hitting the cycle trails this summer, take due precautions.

With more than 300km of trails throughout Central Otago — some offering spectacular, but challenging terrain — people of various riding and walking abilities are donning their active wear and hitting the outdoors. As thousands of visitors make their way to the regions it’s important trail users make sure to keep themselves and others safe. Both riders and walkers should be considerate of one another during the busy summer period. Tourism Central Otago general manager Dylan Rushbrook said keeping safe on the trails was not just about having an awareness of other users, but also of people’s own limitations. “I have heard of instances where people may be overestimating their own abilities, or underestimating the difficulty of the trails.” Each trail was graded, letting people judge their own experience and fitness against what was required. “Do your research, understand what the trip will entail and be prepared. You’re going into the outdoors; take the right gear with you and make sure your equipment is up to the challenge ahead,” he said. St John had emergency access response plans for the many walking and mountain bike trails across region and dispatched the appropriate resources accordingly in the event someone required emergency care. St John Central Otago territory manager David Baillie said it was important people took steps to protect themselves when heading out on the trails. “People can protect their own safety before setting off on a trail by not attempting anything beyond their physical capability, telling someone where they’re going, and carrying a cellphone with GPS capability, or a locator beacon if cellphone coverage is poor,” he said. “In addition, they should also always take plenty of water, sunscreen and a first aid kit with them as we head into summer and the trails are likely to get busier over the coming months.”

Heading to the Otago lakes this holiday season to partake in the great Kiwi tradition of falling over behind a boat (otherwise known as waterskiing)? Make sure you say, ‘Ahoy there!’ to ORC’s Harbourmaster team, who will be based in Central Otago this summer with the vessel Kaitiaki.

“Lake Dunstan is a busy area for lots of different water activities and attracts people from all over the region,” says Harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook. “We’ll be out and about again this season to keep an eye on things and to make sure people are sticking to the safer boating code.” One way the Harbourmaster’s team will be checking in on this around the region is through Maritime New Zealand’s No Excuses campaign. This is the fifth year ORC will be taking part. They’ll be checking to make sure boaties are following the boat code safety rules and local bylaws, including wearing a lifejacket and safe speed. “Last year, we surveyed 128 people and had some really positive interactions. We’re hoping to see everyone keeping up the good work again this summer,” says the Harbourmaster. The team will also be hitting up hot spots around the region and attending events to spread the safety message. The Queenstown Lakes area has its own Harbourmaster team, but wherever you are this summer, if you’re in Central Otago and laking it a lot, the safer boating code always applies. The safer boating code highlights five key things to stay safe on the water: • Wear your lifejacket • Take two waterproof ways to call for help • Check the marine weather forecast • Avoid alcohol • Be a responsible skipper You can find more information on safer boating and Otago Navigation Safety Bylaws on ORC’s website at www.orc.govt. nz/harbourmaster and keep up to date with all Harbourmaster news by following their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ orcharbourmaster Deputy Harbourmaster Pete Dryden (left) and Harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook (right)

Kaitiaki will be out on Lake Dunstan this summer, helping to keep boaties and other water users safe.

Swimming

this summer?

Before you swim, check the weekly water quality results at the most popular swimming spots around the country by visiting

lawa.org.nz/swim

Remember to stay

out of the water for 48 hours after

heavy rain, because urban and rural runoff can be washed into waterways.

STOP THE SPREAD OF PESTS IN OTAGO WATERWAYS

We all need to do our bit to protect New Zealand’s waterways. When you’re out on the water this summer boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming, make sure that if you move between waterways, you always Check, Clean and Dry all clothing and equipment to stop the spread of freshwater pests. Didymo, lagarosiphon and lake snow are the three major freshwater pests in Otago, and they are all easy to spread. Left unchecked, these pests can choke and clog up waterways and their ecosystems and make recreational activities difficult, if not impossible. You must Check, Clean and Dry all equipment that comes in contact with water. When you’re leaving a waterway, check to see that you have no plant material attached to your boat and/or trailer or your clothes and footwear. Even if you can’t see it, it could be there in microscopic form, so always clean your gear. Then let it dry before heading to the next waterway. The South Island is a controlled area for didymo, and it’s present in many Otago waterways. It’s a legal requirement to Check, Clean and Dry your gear if you’re using multiple waterways. If you can’t, stick to one waterway this summer.

For more info about CHECK, CLEAN and DRY, check out the Ministry for Primary Industries website www.mpi.govt.nz or the ORC website www.orc.govt.nz/pesthub