A life-ring was dropped to him, and he was subsequently retrieved by another vessel before being transferred onto Coastguard’s Taupō Rescue vessel.
Coastguard volunteers then transported him back to Kinloch, where he was treated for minor injuries.
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said the incident could have ended very differently.
“Things can change in a heartbeat.”
Shepherd said it was extremely important that people were fully prepared when they enjoy water activities.
“We always recommend people wear their life jacket at all times, take two forms of communication, tell someone where you’re going and when to expect you back on shore.
“People going out on the water alone should also take extra care.”
Taupō Police also remind boaties that they’re to follow the Lake Taupō Navigation Safety Bylaw 2020.
Shepherd said over the past few years, people have been shirking their responsibilities, like letting people under 15 drive boats, exceeding speed limits and not wearing life jackets.
Any breach of the bylaws was likely to result in enforcement action.
“Some respect and responsibility goes a long way to ensure everyone gets home safely,” he said.
Iwi response
Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board chief executive Rakeipoho Taiaroa has praised emergency responders, and said the iwi were thankful the boatie was found in time.
However, Taiaroa encouraged all lake users to take care this summer.
“It’s a beautiful time of the year to enjoy our lake but we want people to keep in mind that Lake Taupō is a very dynamic environment and conditions can change quickly,” he said.
“We ask that those using the lake to ensure their boats and safety equipment are ready for all conditions - it’s better to be prepared and safe, than sorry.
“Everyone has to take responsibility for their own actions over this busy summer period, because one mistake can lead to a bad outcome.
“We’re thankful this incident ended with the boatie being found in time.”
