Warning to boaties after rescues

After two rescue operations on the water this weekend, police are reminding boaties to check the condition of their vessels before heading out on the water.

Marine Search and Rescue craft had to be sent out in waters off Perth after two incidents which may have been avoided with correct maintenance procedures and better understanding of the conditions.

In the first incident on Saturday, three people had to be winched out of the water by the RAC rescue helicopter after they encountered trouble with their boat.

Police were able to track their location due to the activation of a registered EPIRB.

In the second incident police responded to a flares north of Rottnest after a boat broke down.

Once police were able to contact the person on the boat, an EPIRB was activated which helped the RAC rescue helicopter locate the boat.

It was then towed to shore by marine rescue volunteers.

Police spokesman Sam Dinnison said it was important that boaties made sure their boats were in a condition suitable for the conditions they may face on the water.