If you're one of the hundreds who'll be taking your boat out for the first time this long weekend, you'll need to do a couple of things before you hit the water.

Greg Beauchamp, owner of Alberta Marine in Nanton, says job one... Clean it.

"Usually there's so much dirt and stuff inside it, that you really need to get that stuff cleaned out, because it's just not nice to go boating."

Beauchamp says another big thing to remember before you drop your boat in the water is to make sure your batteries are charged.

Unless of course, you prefer floating to boating.

"Now, you're floating in the water and you've got to to get it boosted, and that kind of stuff. So make sure your battery is good, because I've seen it before where people are floating around and the boat won't start."

Beauchamp says there's a lot of issues than can crop up over a long, cold winter with your boat.

Don't let one of them be your trailer.

"These things sit outside in the elements and bearings dry out or your tires crack. Really inspect it, because I was there, I was on a long weekend and I had a bearing blow out by Fernie, and it wasn't any fun because everybody was closed and the boat sat on the side of road for probably two days. So, make sure your trailer is good for sure."

He says it's a good idea to also make sure you have the right number of life jackets and other safety equipment before you head for the lake.