Woman airlifted to hospital after overnight rescue from South Island lake

November 12, 2017

A woman has been rescued from Lake Pukaki after she and a friend drifted out to the middle of the lake in their small inflatable without a paddle.

Police, Coastguard, ambulance and a rescue helicopter were all called to the incident at the South Island lake last night, which has prompted a warning from police over water safety.

The two women took the inflatable onto the lake wearing just their togs and no life jackets with nothing to call for assistance, says Inspector Hirone Waretini.

They drifted to the middle of the lake but had no means of getting back.

One of the women swam to shore to call for help and the Coastguard boat eventually rescued her friend. She was then taken to hospital by helicopter in a moderate condition.

"Make sure if you're going out on the water that you've got the right equipment - especially flotation, warm clothing and some form of communication in case things go awry," Insp Waretini said.

"Things can change in a heartbeat."

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