A strong warning to would-be Queenstown water users

Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster, Marty Black, is repeating his earlier call for all recreational users to stay away from lakes and rivers during the Covid-19 lockdown.

He says it's unbelievable people are ignoring current restrictions, with paddle boarders and surfers out on the water.

Black says boaties, swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders have to stay out of the water.

He says otherwise - they're not only risking their own lives but the lives of rescuers, emergency services and medical professionals who have their hands full responding to the pandemic.