QLDC Corporate and Regulatory general manager Roger Taylor said the bylaws should be considered "a gift" for boat users and their families this summer.
"Given that last summer in this district we experienced the worst accident record on our waterways for 25 years, this summer, if everyone abides by the rules, we hope to see none.
"That would be a gift to the community worth having," Mr Taylor said.
The Shotover River Bylaw pertained to the restricted zone which is operated by Shotover Jet.
"It's fairly simple: you need a permit to take your boat on that stretch of river," Mr Taylor said.
Meanwhile, the Navigation Bylaw addressed all other aspects of safe boating - water activities and commercial operation - on all waterways in the district.
"There's only one way to look at it; the bylaws are there to make sure that people stay safe.
"The timing [last] week couldn't be better, with the anticipated influx of boaties for summer," he said.
The Navigation Bylaw included the rule that the person in charge of a boat - any recreational craft less than 6m - should ensure every person on board wore a properly secured life jacket.
It also covered everything from safe water skiing to speed limits to safe navigation.
"The harbourmaster would rather issue season's greetings than tickets, but our aim is for everyone to have a great time and go home safely, "Mr Taylor said.
The instant fines range from $300 to $500.
Mr Taylor said the council was "doing its bit" for water safety, with two full-time harbourmasters, 12 wardens patrolling the district during the summer, safety signage at all waterways facilities and the bylaws readily available.
Now it was up to the community to do the right thing, he said.
"We can only hope that boaties and water users do their bit and play by the rules."
The only remaining outstanding bylaw issue continued to be the Hunter River access for jet boats.
Mr Taylor said the hearings panel would carry out a site visit when conditions allowed, followed by a hearing next year.
"At the moment it's the status quo, which means the restriction remains," Mr Taylor said.
The schedule of offences under the Navigation Safety Bylaw and the Shotover River Bylaw is available from council offices or on the council website, www.qldc.govt.nz
