A coroner has called for increased awareness about the dangers of crossing the Taieri Mouth bar, following the death of a toddler who was trapped under her family's boat when it capsized

The two-year-old girl, who has permanent name suppression, died in Dunedin Hospital after being rescued from beneath the capsized boat.

Coroner Ruth Thomas says while the boat was found fit for purpose, the father was driving in conditions that exceeded his experience in the challenging Taieri bar crossing environment.

There were signs warning of the dangerous conditions, but the man had not seen or read them.

The coroner is recommending the Otago Regional Council improve the prominence and visual impact of the signage.