Boaties are being reminded to brush up on their water safety rules before heading out on the water, after Marine Safety Officers cautioned and fined more than 180 people over for the past 12 months for not carrying appropriate lifejackets onboard.

Almost 600 expiations and cautions were also issued to people for carrying expired flares, inappropriate or insufficient safety equipment, and for speeding.

Department for Infrastructure and Transport Marine Safety and Compliance Manager Gordon Panton said water safety was of the "highest priority", especially along the River Murray following last year’s floods.

“We are a water loving nation – from rivers to harbors and beaches, it is important that we all enjoy the water safely,” Mr Panton said.

“Lifejackets should be in good condition with no tears, cuts or any straps that are frayed and they must meet the current Australian Standards and inflatable lifejackets should be serviced in line with manufacturer's instructions – generally once a year.

“Our crews have been working around the clock for the past few months following the River Murray floods to survey the river, marking or removing hazards and debris, but it’s an ongoing exercise so we are asking everyone on the river this summer to be mindful of hazards that may still emerge.”

Recreational fishers are also being urged to check the rules before heading out, particularly around the state’s marine park network.

While fishing is permitted within marine parks, it is not allowed within dedicated sanctuary zones, which are set aside for conservation and low-iompact recreation activities.

Over the past two years, the National parks and Wildlife Service has issued more than 600 warnings and 54 expiation notices to people fishing in sanctuary zones – with fines up to $100,000 for serious or repeat offenders.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Marine Parks Regional Coordinator Jon Emmett said only six per cent of SA waters were designated as sanctuary zones.

“Rangers regularly patrol marine parks to ensure all recreational and commercial fishing activity was conducted in line with regulations,” Mr Emmett said.

“Sanctuary zones are like the ‘biodiversity hotspots’ of the sea.

"We want people to visit and enjoy these areas, but we need them to remember that all the plants and animals within them are protected.”

Fishers can download the free SA Fishing app for more information about sanctuary zone boundaries, and can report illegal fishing to the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.

Any South Australia who spots a hazard on the River Murray or out at sea can report the incident on the SA.GOV.AU website for it to be assessed and if needed, removed.

For more information, visit marine safety or marine parks or check out some of the best fishing spots in South Australia.