Be safe, be responsible and be aware - that's the key message from Bay of Plenty harbourmasters for locals and visitors enjoying the region's waterways over the festive season.
"People come to our region from around the country to enjoy water-based activities and with locals also out and about during the holidays, it means our waterways can get pretty crowded. We want people to enjoy themselves but to do so safely," Bay of Plenty Regional Council maritime operations manager Reuben Fraser said.
Maritime staff and volunteers would be patrolling waterways throughout the Bay of Plenty to ensure people are being safe and sticking to the rules.
"The rules are there to keep everyone safe so we would like to think that people will abide by them and support the work of our staff and volunteers this summer," Mr Fraser said.
"We ask that people behave responsibly and take extra care when it gets busy."