The next best thing to catching the big one is getting home after a trip out on the water and telling everyone about the big one.

But getting home can be fraught with dangers and the Waikato Regional Council's aim this summer is to have everyone get home safely.

Lower Waikato zone harbourmaster Richard Barnett says the Waikato Regional Council's harbourmasters will be out in force this summer. Photo: Supplied

Harbourmaster Richard Barnett says he and his colleagues are very much at home on the water and all harbourmasters will be out in force over summer to help.

'Our aim this summer is to have no-one die when boating on Waikato waters, whether at sea or on our inland waterways,” says Richard. 'We want to see everyone make it home safe after having a fantastic time out on the water.”

'It's about having fun with family and friends and enjoying our big blue backyard, and getting home safely at the end of the day.”

Richard's top tips for making it home safe are making sure the marine weather and tide are going to be good and checking all is in order with vessels and equipment before heading out.

He also encourages boaties to wear a correctly sized lifejacket and if using an inflatable, check canisters and make sure the bladder is not punctured.

Know all relevant boating rules and carry waterproof communications that are right for the area and can contact someone during the entire trip.

Finally, let someone else know destination and return time and most importantly, skippers should avoid alcohol, he says.

'Good communications are particularly important,” says Richard. 'You need to be able to contact someone quickly if you're in trouble.”

'Going easy on alcohol is particularly important for skippers, you're responsible for every life aboard your boat, so make sure you take that responsibility seriously.”

For weather and tide information visit the Metservice website at www.metservice.com

To watch videos about lifejackets and relevant boating rules visit the Maritime NZ Youtube page at www.youtube.com/boatsafetyinnz