NSW police launched a statewide compliance operation at the weekend targeting safety inspections, licence checks and risky behaviour.

The operation comes after a horror season on the water last summer.

Lavington man Roger Bradney drowned at Bungowannah last December while fishing from a boat.

Denique Peace, from Boosey, had her leg severed by a boat propeller while wakeboarding at Bundalong in December.

Melbourne suburban football club identity Marty Humphreys drowned at Lake Mulwala in January, and a 74-year-old kayaker drowned at Tallangatta.

Albury man Sean Devlin was stranded on a jet-ski overnight on Lake Hume in December before being rescued by friends.

Albury and Border Rescue Squad deputy captain Paul Marshall said there had already been a boat fire about a month ago and urged people to take care.

“Boating is certainly one thing that lots of people enjoy, but we all need to do it safely,” he said.

“Wearing a lifejacket should be like wearing a seatbelt; people should do it automatically when they get onboard.

“People get into trouble when they fail to prepare.”

Mr Marshall said many people would have had their boats in storage for six months.

That leads to an increased risk of engine fires and problems with safety equipment.

“The safety gear is often not up to scratch,” he said.

“If people haven’t started their boat for six months it probably won’t start straight away.

“If it floods with petrol you can have problems on your hands.”

The key to ensuring safety was for people to know their limits, especially when swimming, Mr Marshall said.

NSW Police Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings said officers would have an increased focus on jet-skis. 

“Police have been targeting the use of jet skis across the waterways after receiving multiple reports last season of dangerous driving, some of which led to collisions on the water and serious injuries,” he said. 

“While we understand the majority of jet ski riders enjoy the sport safely, we will not put up with those who engage in risky behaviour that jeopardises the safety of others.”