Mr Buell's top tips for the season ahead included:
• Prep your boat - service your engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery, and generally give the boat a good once over
• Check your gear - make sure your lifejackets are still fit for purpose and you have enough, service any inflatable lifejackets and ensure you have two reliable forms of communication equipment that will work when wet.
• Know the rules - ensure you know the rules of the road on the water for Bay of Plenty.
"As always, before you hit the water check the marine weather tide forecast and always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back," Mr Buell said.
Safer Boating Week events:
• Coastguard Rotorua Lakes tomorrow from 9am to 4pm
• Bowentown boat ramp tomorrow from 12pm to 5pm
• Sulphur Point boat ramp on Sunday from 10am to 5pm