Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Safety - Pegasus Lake

The satellite town of Pegasus, just north of Christchurch has a magnificent man-made lake, which is ideal for dragon boating. The race course fits neatly within it shores so any capsize etc means the person in the water is only 45 meters (max) from the shore.

Known hazards

There are two floating water intake 'vents' on the main lake - one NW, the other SE. Paddlers should be advised at the captain's/sweeps briefing to stear well clear of these obstructions.

The major hazard is other lake users, in yachts or kayaks, or swimmers. The northern area should be cordoned off and sign posted during a regatta.

The Race Finish line is close to the Yacht Club/apartments just short of the bridge. Boats must ensure they pull up promptly, short of the bridge. Where possible, a boat should patrol under teh bridge to keep swimmers and paddlers away.

Lighting and visibility

Dragon boats will not routinely be at the lake for training etc, only regatta - so it is very unlikely a boat will be on the water in even marginal light conditions.

All areas of the lake have good visibility anyway, unless a boat is being paddled under one of the bridges.

Mitigation/medical

Regatta at the lake will have at least one 'chase boat', plus an onshore nurse or paramedic. Where numbers warrant it, an ambulance should also be provided, either on site or on call.