A new lifebuoy station will be placed in the mouth of the Hokitika River this week, following the death of a boatie earlier this month.

Local man Kerry Apperley died on the Hokitika River bar, just days after a previous life rescue ring and public viewing tower were removed due to high seas.

The council and the Lions Club have agreed to locate the new lifebuoy outside the erosion zone due to concerns about rapid erosion.

Mr Apperley's family said his death could have been prevented if the buoy, belonging to a local Lions Club, hadn't been removed.

However, Police said Mr Apperley died in high swells and the lifebuoy may not have made any difference.