Guide saves woman on river trip

Tim Miller

A paddle boarding trip along the Clutha River could have ended in tragedy but for the quick thinking of an experienced guide.

A 45-year-old woman was flown to Dunedin Hospital with moderate injuries after she got into trouble while paddle boarding with a group on the river near Albert Town.

Queenstown Lakes harbour master Marty Black said the group were paddling near the Deans Bank when the woman’s board wrapped around a 5-knot marker buoy, dragging her under the water.

Connected to the board by an ankle-leash the woman was unable to free herself, Black said.

Luckily the owner of Paddle Wanaka, who the group had hired the equipment from, was following close behind on a jet-ski and was able to cut her free.

“It wasn’t really a commercial trip but he was doing the right thing and providing a bit of back-up and saved the day so we’re are absolutely delighted,” Black said.

The owner of the company did not want to comment when contacted by the Otago Daily Times last night.

The woman had inhaled a lot of water and CPR was performed before emergency services arrived, he said.

While the group were all wearing lifejackets the incident showed how dangerous the river could potentially be. “I don’t want to wind this thing up but the message we want to get out there is don’t wear a leg-leash, wear a body harness instead or whatever else you can,” said Black.

— Otago Daily Times