Take care, police say

Police are urging South Islanders to take care on the water this summer after the death of a canoeist in Te Anau.

The body of Luca Ruffato, an Italian, was found in Brod Bay on Saturday, after the 22-year-old went missing while canoeing on Lake Te Anau.

Constable James Ure, of Te Anau, said the death could have been avoided if Ruffato had been better acquainted with the area’s weather and the state of his equipment. ‘‘It’s pretty tragic really. It’s just some bad decision and he ended up paying with his life.’’

The bright red canoe Ruffato had gone out in was about 30 years old, in poor repair and unsuitable for the weather conditions on Friday, he said. It was important anyone taking to the water this summer made sure their gear was in top condition.

Boaties and canoeists should carry emergency devices to alert others if they were in trouble.