FAQs

The Navigation Safety Bylaw sets rules for safe behaviour on Southland’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. It helps reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and conflicts between different water users.

The current bylaw was last reviewed in 2015. Under legislation, it must be reviewed every 10 years. This review ensures the rules remain relevant, reflect new technologies and uses, and align with best practice.

Some of the main changes include:

• New rules for open water swimming visibility and safety.
• Strengthened requirements for vessel communication equipment.
• Clarified responsibilities for vessel operators.
• New reserved swimming area at Steamer’s Beach, Lake Te Anau.
• Transfer of personal watercraft rules from the Coastal Plan to the bylaw.
• New or strengthened provisions relating to Council administrative and enforcement matters
• Removal of outdated provisions and improved clarity throughout.

The bylaw applies to anyone using Southland’s navigable waters – including recreational users (boaters, swimmers, kayakers) and commercial operators (tourism, fishing, transport).

You can make a submission between 15 December 2025 and 16 February 2026:

• Online: www.haveyoursay.es.govt.nz
• Email: consultation@es.govt.nz
• Post: Environment Southland, Private Bag 90116, Invercargill 9840
• In person: 220 North Road, Invercargill

Yes. If you wish to speak at a hearing, please indicate this in your submission. You’ll be contacted with details once the hearing date is confirmed.

Submissions will be reviewed by Council. If required, a hearing will be held. Council will then deliberate and adopt the final bylaw, expected in the first quarter of 2026.