The stupidity of three local Queenstown men has infuriated Queenstown Lakes District harbourmaster Marty Black.
Mr Black located the three men while on night patrol, in the dark, in a small boat on Lake Wakatipu, with no lights and no life jackets and wearing jeans.
A breeze was beginning to create a chop which was slopping over the bow.
"Without a doubt it was an accident waiting to happen. It really staggers me that anyone would take that risk. It's infuriating," Mr Black said.
The Council was considering prosecution.
"Not only did these characters put themselves at risk but potentially, through their complete lack of commonsense, they could have needlessly tied up precious search and rescue and emergency service resources," he said.
It was a timely reminder to everyone to stay safe on the water, he said.
It was compulsory for children to wear lifejackets and each boat must carry enough lifejackets for every person on board.
