The season, running from October to Easter, has otherwise been largely on par with previous years.

Boating safety officer Nathaniel Jacobs will help facilitate a safety campaign while on the water next weekend.

“The RMS has a big education focus rather than purely enforcement,” he said.

“Safety equipment is part of every campaign and is always a key focus.

“This time of year people have extra people on the boats, so whereas you’d normally go out with only two lifejackets on the boat, make sure you have the right amount.

“Lifejacket offences are zero-tolerance – even Malcolm Turnbull copped a ticket for not wearing one.”

Mr Jacobs knows better than most why lifejackets are non-negotiable – working for five years in the water police unit in Sydney, he dealt with the deaths of too many people, including children, that were preventable.

“We hate writing tickets for people, it's the worst part of the job, but it has to be part of the job,” he said.

“Emergencies can happen quickly so it’s important your safety equipment is ready.”

Mr Jacobs said that gear had to include firefighting equipment.

“There was a boat fire at Kookaburra point only on Tuesday,” Mr Jacobs said.

“That’s another big theme for us this time of year – with the extreme heat we get a few boat fires.

“It’s why having a bailing bucket on board and an operational fire extinguisher is crucial.

“Make sure the boat is ready to go and then you can come out and relax.”

This is the second year buoys enforcing idle speed have been set up around the Bowna Reserve boat ramp.

The initiative was required due to conflicts relating to the boat ramp, some turning violent, and complaints about high speeds around the area.

“There were a couple near misses with speed,” Mr Jacobs said. 

“Another big thing is ramp etiquette – have your vessel ready to go – the ramp is for launching and retrieving.

“So far we’ve had really good feedback.”

The Australia Day long weekend is the highest-risk time on the water and the worst for compliance in the year.

Mr Jacobs is reminding skippers that the blood alcohol limit is 0.05 not only for the person driving the boat, but for those being towed on watersport equipment.

“One thing that catches people out is that applies in a towing situation to the skipper, the designated observer on board and also any person being towed by the vessel,” he said.

“All of those roles are deemed to be operators on board and all have to adhere the 0.05 limit.”

Other tips to remember include: