The Coastguard was deployed over the weekend after a member of the public reported they witnessed a boat collecting 17 people from the Ripe Festival in Glendhu Bay.

“The boat was overloaded to the point where the back deck of the boat was reported to be under water,” Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said, “...and the vessel did not have enough life jackets.”

Coastguard intercepted the boat as it made its way back to Wānaka and police have spoken to the person identified as the skipper, she said.

“It goes without saying how frustrating it is to see cavalier attitudes to water safety.”

Fi said numerous driving complaints over the busy long weekend kept police busy.

She said it was pleasing that only one person was processed for an excess breath alcohol (EBA) over the weekend, although “in my view one is too many”.

One person was also forbidden to drive as the result of drug impairment.

It serves as a reminder for people who take medication that “regardless of whether it is over the counter, prescribed or a traditional healing medication, it’s important to remember that they all have the potential to impair your ability to drive”, Fi said.

Find information on driving and medication here.

Wānaka Police are also reminding people to lock valuable items and record serial numbers after a male entered a property on Brownston Street and removed an unlocked bike from a bike rack.

Fi reiterated messages about safe hunting during the roar season, which is underway.

She advised hunters to check the weather, then check it again; have a plan for the hunt and give it to someone - especially a ‘due out’ time; ensure you contact that person when you get out to avoid unplanned search and rescue related call outs; take the right gear for the conditions; have enough food and gear for the trip; take a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a reliable way to communicate.

Find more information on roar safety here.

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Wānaka App