It will be an ironically dry old Christmas along the River Murray this year, with the state government banning all recreational boating and water activities until further notice.

It says the action has been taken to protect properties and infrastructure and for the safety of river goers and the local community with flood waters expected to peak this week.

The ban applies along the whole of the river, from the Victorian border to the Wellington ferry, including creeks, tributaries, lakes and lagoons.

Marine Safety Officers and South Australia Police will increase their presence on the water and may apply penalties if these restrictions are not followed.

SA Infrastructure and Transport says there has been limited recreational boating activity on the river in recent weeks as flows have increased.

It says submerged hazards and debris are now posing a significant safety risk, which has prompted the harsh restrictions:

• No motorised vessels can be operated on the river.

• No human-powered vessels or any other water traffic (including canoes, kayaks, surf skis, rowboats or aquatic toys) can be operated.

• No swimming, bathing or diving is permitted.

• No fishing or leaving any fishing apparatus (including any net, drum net, hoop net, mesh net, set line, shrimp trap and yabbie pot) in the river. 

Some activities on the river are still permitted for work and access to essential supplies or property. For more information visit the marine safety website. 

For more information on the current River Murray high flows and flooding visit the state government floods website.