Serene start to 2013 at lakes
Waitaki Police have praised the vast majority of revellers who celebrated New Year's Eve safely in the Waitaki Valley.
Police were out in force as celebrations of the New Year got under way from Kurow to Omarama.
Oamaru police Detective Warren Duncan said, unlike other years, there were no trouble spots in the Waitaki Valley.
"Everyone has been really, really good," he said.
"The pubs were fantastic, there was just a really good crowd this year."
In Omarama, celebrations were also under control.
"Everyone was in a good mood last night," Omarama police Constable Nayland Smith said.
"There were no arrests at all."
Mr Duncan has been running an operation at the Waitaki Lakes this festive season in a combined effort with Environment Canterbury to promote water safety.
Based in Otematata, but working from Kurow to Omarama, six local police officers have been given additional powers as temporary honorary enforcement officers this summer.
"It's part of a prevention-first strategy," Mr Duncan said.
Aside from a jet-ski accident on Sunday, Mr Duncan said boaties had been well behaved.
A male holiday-goer had been flown to Christchurch Hospital on Sunday after the jet ski he was driving crashed into rocks on the Benmore Dam river, near Loch Laird, about 5.30pm on Sunday, Mr Duncan said.
"From what I understand, he was in the process of putting the jet ski on to the trailer, but he ended up hitting the rocks and going over the top [of the jet ski]," he said.
"He broke a few bones, he was pretty lucky."
As well as handing out water-safety leaflets and maps of the local waterways, officers were stationed at boat ramps to breath-test boaties.
"Everyone was cheerful and receptive, it's been really well received, especially the water-safety information and maps of the waterways," Mr Duncan said.
"Everyone was very, very good. There were a few [who had been drinking], but they were not over the limit.
"We'd discourage skippers from drinking any alcohol."
The extra police staff will assist Environment Canterbury volunteers until Friday.
As well as teaming up with Environment Canterbury to promote water safety, officers also have an increased presence on the roads and around popular camping spots from Kurow to Omarama.
Most holiday-goers are expected to start heading home today or tomorrow.
