Need-to-Know: Deep South Boating Refresher with Coastguard Queenstown

Boating in the Deep South: What You Need to Know

From Lake Whakatipu to Fiordland and our exposed southern coasts, boating in the Deep South brings unique challenges. Sudden weather changes, strong winds, crowded summer days, and cold water are constant risks – and every year, even experienced skippers are caught out.

To help you prepare, Coastguard Queenstown is hosting a Deep South Boating Refresher – an interactive evening designed to sharpen your skills, update your knowledge, and get you ready for the season ahead.

On the agenda:

🚤 Pre-season checks – ensuring you and your vessel are fit for southern waters.

🚤 Weather and conditions – recognising patterns and knowing when not to head out.

🚤 Essential equipment – lifejackets, communications, and gear that save lives.

🚤 Emergency response – what to do if something goes wrong.

🚤 Local knowledge – insights from Coastguard skippers with first-hand experience on our lakes, fiords, and coasts.

🚤 Knowledge check – a short quiz to test what you know and highlight what you may have missed.

🚤 Q&A session – your opportunity to put questions to the experts.

Why attend:

The Deep South is one of the most spectacular places to go boating – but also one of the most unforgiving. Cold water shock, fast-changing conditions, and simple mistakes can quickly escalate. A short refresher now could prevent a serious incident later.

Whether you’re new to boating or an experienced hand, this session offers practical, evidence-based guidance tailored to our local waters.

Join us to make sure you, your crew, and your vessel are prepared for whatever this summer brings.