Rescuers searched for a man missing in Lake Wakatipu on Friday. He was named later by relatives as Linkin Kisling. Photo: Unsplash / Holger Link
A father who died while trying to save his son as he struggled in the water of Lake Wakatipu has been named as Linkin Kisling.
The 48-year-old, from Wānaka, got into trouble after he went to help his 10-year-old son who was swimming at the mouth of the Rees River at Glenorchy at about 3pm on Friday.
Two helicopters and seven private boats rallied together in a desperate search for Kisling, the rescue effort unfolding near the town's jetty and a lakeside reserve.
Senior Sergeant John Fookes said there was an extensive air and water search, but the man could not be found.
Police divers on Saturday found his body on the lake bed, 25m below the surface and 70m from the river mouth.
His son was rescued by a member of the public and taken to Lakes District Hospital in Queenstown before being discharged.
Family members confirmed Kisling's identity on Sunday via police.
A rāhui, or ritual prohibition, has been placed on behalf of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou and Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua kāhui on an area that covers Glenorchy and the Dart River end of Lake Wakatipu until 3pm on Tuesday, and on Sunday there was a blessing at the site.
The rāhui imposes a temporary ban on fishing and diving in the area.
Glenorchy is west of Queenstown and about an hour from emergency services.
Fookes, the Otago Lakes/Central search and rescue co-ordinator, said there was a very speedy response from locals at the site on Friday when it became clear someone was in trouble in the water.
Among them was Callan Grimmer, who helped co-ordinate the search.
Grimmer said the family were swimming at the Rees River mouth about 150m north of the Glenorchy wharf when they got into difficulty.
A swift current that flows from the river could push people out and under the water, he said, though he did not know if it contributed to Kisling's death.
The water temperature in the area is around 15C or 16C at this time of year.
Grimmer said two helicopters and seven boats, including five from Dart River Adventures, took part in the initial search, using a grid pattern to scour the water.
He wanted to thank all those involved for their efforts and said his thoughts went out to Kisling's family and friends.
Fookes urged people to be mindful of their safety in and around waterways, especially ones that are fast-flowing.
Police said their thoughts were with the Kisling's whānau and loved ones at this "difficult time".
"We would also like to acknowledge members of the public, who provided assistance to the whānau ... as the incident unfolded," a spokesperson said.
Kisling's death is being referred to the coroner.
* This story originally appeared on Stuff.