Police are chastising boaties who set out unprepared after receiving three calls for assistance in the last three days.

All calls related to boats being launched without being serviced or checked, says police search and rescue Sergeant Craig Madden.

'One vessel began taking on water soon after launching. The other two had engine problems and it would appear neither vessel has been serviced recently,” says Craig.

'Just because a boat has broken down it doesn't mean police will come get them.

'There are other services that provide this service and Coastguard is one of them. As a member of the Coastguard they will come and tow boats back in when a boat simply brakes down. It's like insurance if you don't have it you will wish you did when you need it.”

Police will always be there to help and will assist boaties in getting help if they need it, says Craig.

But they are less likely to need help if they follow simple guidelines.

1. Life Jackets: Take them and wear them
2. Know Your Limits. It's the skipper's responsibility for the safety of everyone on board and the safe operation of the boat.
3. Communications: Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating, Marine radio, cell phone, flares, PLB are all forms of communication.
4. Marine weather: check the marine weather forecast before you go out, our weather is highly unpredictable.
5. Avoid alcohol: Safe boating and alcohol don't mix, you need to stay alert and aware.