A disqualified driver with a breath-alcohol level more than twice the legal alcohol limit was caught after coming across police investigating an unrelated callout in Dunedin.
Police were called to John Wilson Ocean Dr in St Kilda at 9.10pm on Tuesday, after a member of the public saw a man walking into the surf and not coming out.
The woman and her partner were sure it was a person and not a sea lion, which have been frequenting the area, Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen said.
Police and search and rescue crew members went to the scene but were unable to find any evidence, other than a set of footprints leading away from the water.
They were checking the beach again yesterday, he said.
While still in John Wilson Ocean Dr at 9.45pm, a car came to a sudden stop in front of police at the scene.
The couple inside were heard arguing, and the male driver appeared to be intoxicated.
He recorded a breath-alcohol level of 600mcg, and was also found to be a disqualified driver.
He has been charged with drink driving and driving while disqualified.
