Police call for boat safety at Taupō Summer Concert

Police are encouraging safe behaviour at this year's Taupō Summer Concert. Photo / File

Police are reminding boaties attending the Taupō Summer Concert on January 30 to take care and avoid unsafe, off-limits areas.

This will be the 11th running of the event, which has been successful due to a collaborative approach between Greenstone Entertainment, Taupō District Council, Public Health, Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board, security providers and all emergency services such as the Taupō harbour master (Internal Affairs), police, fire and ambulance.

This collaboration makes for a positive event attended by thousands each year.

However, at the last event, police were concerned by some of the behaviour in boats anchored in the Waikato River mouth.

This section of the Waikato River is known to be an unpredictable waterway and all agencies would like to ensure the safety of those who listen to the concert in this area, police said in a statement.

Taupō harbour master Heath Cairns said the area from the two channel markers (red pole and green pole) at the Waikato River mouth, all the way to the control gate, is a restricted anchorage.

"This means boats are not allowed to anchor to the riverbed, waterway or foreshore unless in an emergency or under the harbour master's direction or approval. Doing so without permission can result in a $200 instant fine," he said.

Live music pumps up the audience at a previous Taupō Summer Concert. Photo / Rachel Canning

In order to ensure the safety of everyone enjoying the Summer Concert police encouraged boat owners to contact Cairns to seek approval to be in the area.

Those without permission should expect to be instructed to leave and risk being issued an instant fine.

Senior Sergeant Jason Henderson said Taupō Police wanted to keep everyone safe.

"There have already been too many tragedies in our waters this summer," he said.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to remind those attending to ensure they have a suitable way of getting home."

Police will have a large presence at the event with a focus on drink-driving.

- Supplied copy