Hawkesbury police have urged locals to have a conversation about water safety as summer rolls around.
Hawkesbury Police Area Command Customer Service Duty Officer Chief Inspector Garry Sims APM, said inland waterways including the river, lakes dams and creeks posed many safety risks.
Police had put together a list of potential dangers to be aware of in conjunction with Royal Life Saving NSW, he said.
"It is important to ask someone who is familiar with the area for advice if you are unsure about the waterway," Chief Inspector Sims said in a statement.
Potential dangers around inland waterways include currents and fast-flowing water, submerged objects such as rocks, and tree branches, and slippery banks and uneven surfaces.
Changing seasonal patterns can also pose a risk as well as extremely cold water.
Chief Inspector Sims reminded the community that inland waterways were not patrolled by lifeguards, and should someone get into trouble, "there may be no one there to assist".
"We should all have this conversation, especially with family and friends who may visit the Hawkesbury and use our inland waterways over summer," he said.
