Lake Keepit was bustling with activity during the school holidays and long weekend, despite dipping to just 14 per cent capacity.

Visitors came from all over - with at least half from the local area – and enjoyed activities like boating, fishing and skiing.

Park manager Kerry Lloyd said all the cabins were booked over the long weekend and the powered camping sites had been very popular. There were also many bookings earlier in the school holidays.

“It’s been really busy since the weather warmed up which is quite unusual,” Ms Lloyd said.

“Normally we stay quiet until the long weekend but we had a lot of people come in early September.”

Lake Keepit dropped to 14 per cent after State Water released more water downstream to meet orders for essential water supplies including town, stock and domestic water as well as for irrigation.

About 1000 megalitres a day has been released from the dam and was forecast to end yesterday, but could continue until Friday.

It has been seven years since Keepit dropped to such low levels and State Water said more water releases could begin in late November. 

Boating season has also officially opened in NSW with a statewide compliance operation headed by NSW Police Force, Roads and Maritime Services and Department of Primary Industries over the long weekend.

Operation Vikings Marine began on Saturday and focused on water safety compliance.

Marine Area Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings said the agencies were working together to ensure the season was the safest yet.

“We have built very strong relationships with Maritime and Fisheries, and through the taskforce, we have united for a targeted and more efficient approach to water safety and compliance,” Det Supt Hutchings said.

He said officers were out in force over the weekend to enforce maritime laws, conduct safety checks, inspect size and bag limits of fish, check boat licences and conduct random breath tests.

“The same drink-driving laws apply on the water as on land – the legal limit is 0.05 – but as we always say, it’s better not to drink if you’re getting behind the wheel,” he said.

“Skippers need to remember they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board, and we are starting the season with a high-visibility reminder that safety compliance will be enforced.”

Roads and Maritime director Angus Mitchell, said improving weather across NSW had already seen an increase in boating activity.

“It cannot be over-emphasised how important it is to carry out a pre-season maintenance check of your boat, including all safety equipment as now we are beginning the boating season in earnest,” Mr Mitchell said.

Officers are targeting fishing compliance.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) acting director of compliance, Tony Andrews, said fishers planning to wet a line this season need to be aware of the recreational fishing rules in NSW.

“Anyone who is unsure of the rules and regulations should pick up a free copy of the current NSW Recreational Fishing Guides or contact their local Fisheries Office,” Mr Andrews said.

“I encourage anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity to contact the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.”

For more information on the Marine Compliance Taskforce, visit: http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/marine-compliance-taskforce.

More information on Marine Area Command can be found on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NSWPoliceMAC.

For more information on boating safety, visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime.

Further information about fishing and aquaculture is available at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries.