It's been the busiest start to a boating season for Marine Rescue NSW, with volunteers across the state performing 460 search and rescue missions in October - including 130 emergency responses - and safely returning 989 people to shore.

Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures are the highest recorded for an October, continuing the record pace set the month before.

“We have seen a 19% increase in demand for our services compared with the same month last year, which was previously our busiest October,” he said.

The surge comes as boaters flocked to the water during the warm spring weather and long weekend, with many vessels needing help due to mechanical issues.

“It is concerning that 44% of our responses were for engine failure,” Andrews said.

“Being the start of the season, many skippers were caught out by a lack of maintenance.”

Across the state, volunteers managed more than 21,000 radio calls, including 15 Maydays and four Pan Pans, while keeping watch over 27,390 people who logged on via the Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16.

Locally, Marine Rescue Illawarra units - covering Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla, and Kioloa - completed 43 search and rescue missions in October, 17 of which were emergency responses.

A total of 78 people were safely returned to shore, with Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet recording the highest demand (10 rescues each), followed by Port Kembla (8) and Shoalhaven (6).

Andrews praised the dedication of the state’s 3500 volunteers, calling them “the backbone of boating safety in NSW.”

“Every mission, every call answered - it’s all done by trained volunteers who give up their time to save lives,” he said.

He encouraged all boaters to make safety a priority this season.

“Log on before you head out so we know when to expect you back. Every safe trip starts before you hit the water.”