The skipper of a recreational boat has been deemed at fault when their boat and a rowing skiff collided on the Jacobs River Estuary at Riverton in July.

The young victim suffered serious injuries and faces a long recovery.

Environment Southland undertook the investigation, including a legal review, after the case was handed onto them from Maritime New Zealand.

The investigation determined that the skipper of the recreational boat breached Maritime Rules Part 22 and Southland Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 3.12 relating to prevention of a collision.

The skipper has been issued with an infringement under the Maritime Transport Act.

The Riverton Rowing Club, assisted by the Southland Harbourmaster, have also taken proactive steps to improve their health and safety practices.