TEA Gardens senior constable David Coyle is calling for boaters to use common sense on the water after two boys were reported missing while sailing in rough seas with no safety equipment.
Mr Coyle said if people were planning to go offshore they should first make sure their vessel was equipped to handle the conditions.
He also said it was vital to check all safety equipment such as lifejackets and radios were on board.
Another tip was to always notify friends and family about where you were heading and to check in with the area's marine rescue to register where you launched from, the duration of the trip and how many people were on board.
Mr Coyle said to keep in mind going outside the heads was a very different experience to boating within the bay.
"It can be like a washing machine out there," he said.
"You've got to give it the respect it deserves."
Geoffrey Wilson who helps rent boats from the Boatshed in Tea Gardens said it was still important to take care when boating in the river.
"We see people tearing up here (the Tea Gardens waterfront) who seem to be oblivious that it is a four knot zone," he said.
"It is like going 100 kilometres through a main street."
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