Summers in the Bay of Plenty often mean enjoying the sun, sand and surf so it's important to keep safe on the water.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Harbour Masters will be joined by volunteer harbour wardens on the water during the busy summer period to help people understand how to stay safe on the Bay's coast, lakes and rivers.

Regional Harbour Master Carl Magazinovic said the increased number of visitors to the Bay during summer meant that people need to take extra care on, and near, the water.

"Summer is a great time to get out on the water whether it's in a boat, on a jet ski or paddle board, or snorkelling and diving but more people on the water means more risk of something going wrong," Mr Magazinovic said.

"Locals need to remember that more people are on the water with them, and not all of those people will know the local navigational safety hazards and the local bylaws.

"Visitors to the area are advised to take the time to learn the local risks and bylaws to give themselves the best start to their holiday.

"Harbour masters and wardens will be doing their best to keep people safe, but I encourage everyone to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others," he said.

The Harbour Masters' top five tips for summer boating safety include:

• Before you leave home check the weather and tide conditions, and let someone know where you're going.
• Make sure your equipment is working properly, particularly your communications equipment (radio, cell phone, flares etc), and that your vessel has plenty of fuel and is seaworthy.
• Wear a lifejacket that fits you properly - especially when crossing any bar.
• Always travel at a safe speed and do not exceed 5 knots within 200 metres of the shore or a boat flying the Dive flag; or within 50 metres of another boat or a person in the water.
• Keep to the right to avoid collisions with oncoming vessels.

A copy of the Bay of Plenty Navigational Safety bylaws can be downloaded from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website here.