As the weather warms up and more people head out on the water, the U.S. Coast Guard says preparation is key to staying safe.

Officials say Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally the kickoff for boating season. The agency says now that the holiday has passed, they are on higher alert because more people are on the waterways.

Ensign Juan Perdomo says the first thing they recommend boaters do before they leave is to thoroughly check their vessels and make sure there is not any unwanted water onboard.

The next step is to tell someone where they are going, their plans and how they can be reached while out on the water.

Boaters should make sure all safety equipment is onboard and properly works, says Perdomo. He says they need to make sure they are able to use Channel 16, which is the Coast Guard's universal hailing and distress frequency. That channel can be used if someone needs help.

During an emergency or incident, if you feel that you might be able to help, you should inform the authorities.

"First thing you need to do is use Channel 16 and notify the U.S. Coast Guard of what is happening on the water. Next, you can go about initiating your assistance, so if there's someone in the water, please throw a floatation device. If there's someone that's drifting, please use your vessel in the best manner you see fit," says Perdomo.

There should also be enough life jackets that fit everyone onboard. A child should not be wearing an adult life jacket.

Perdomo says the most important time to put on a life jacket is before a vessel leaves a dock or pier. When a Coast Guard boat departs, everyone on board wears a life jacket, says Perdomo. The agency asks that people make sure life jackets are readily available and can be easily put on if needed.

Perdomo encourages people to dress for the water, not the weather. The water temperature is still in the 50s and can be cooler outside of the sound, and people can experience hypothermia very quickly.