Locals say they've been worried about safety on the Central Otago lake where a young boy died for some time.

The 12 year-old was killed yesterday on Blue Lake at St Bathans when he fell off a biscuit, and was then hit by another boat.

He was flown to Dunedin Hospital, but died from his injuries.

People spoken to by NZME in St Bathans say locals have been worried about an accident for a long time.

The Regional Council has rules limiting the number of boats on the lake, at any given time.

The boy's death is now in the hands of the Coroner.

The man-made lake is popular for swimming, fishing and kayaking.