It was a case of smoke on the water but no one cared.
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The weather was hot, the water inviting and everyone flocked to be part of Merimbula's Australia Day float.
Teens - and plenty who believed they still were - leapt off the bridge to clamber out and do it all over again.
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The traffic built up and ground to a walking pace as eager floaters clutching their craft of choice rushed to be part of the event. People entered not only from the bridge but also from the boat ramp car park, surrounding beach areas and boardwalk.
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Police did not stop the hoades of people jumping off the bridge but the Eden Water Police vessel kept a watching brief near the bridge.