Holiday makers, boaties generally well behaved
Police wrapped up their water safety operation around the Waitaki lakes on Friday and have praised the vast majority of holiday-makers for their good behaviour.
Police had an increased presence at the Waitaki Lakes this festive season in a combined effort with Environment Canterbury to promote water safety, as well as undertaking general policing duties.
Detective Warren Duncan, officer in charge, said extra police staff were stationed up the Waitaki Valley from Boxing Day through to January 4.
Other than the tragic death of 26-year-old Ashlee Marie Mundy, the jockey who fell in race seven at the annual Kurow Jockey Club, and a firearms incident, Mr Duncan said the New Year period had gone well.
"The campers have been very, very good," he said.
He was, however, disappointed that a number of young campers left their camp sites without cleaning up bottles, broken glass and general litter. "They are a small minority though," he said.
Mr Duncan said a push for water safety also proved a success.
Six police staff spent time working with boaties on education, advice and enforcement around boating safety, bylaws and maritime rules.
Officers were also stationed at boat ramps to breath-test boaties.
Their presence and push for prevention was well received, Mr Duncan said, and aside from a jet-ski accident, boaties had been well-behaved.
"The water safety push this year went very well," he said.
