MADISON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – If you plan to spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Reservoir, authorities said boating safety should be your top priority.

Reservoir Police Chief Carlos DiPuma said boaters should remember the basic rules when out of the water.

“If you overload a boat, it can cause problems, especially if a storm or anything like that comes up, or another boat passes, you get caught, and on the way, it could easily capsize the boat,” he said.

Life vests and personal floating devices are required on all boats. The state law does not require you to have them on unless you are under the age of 12.

DiPuma said with the consumption of alcohol paired with the heat, it’s crucial to stay hydrated.

“Have you some water, some liquids, Gatorade or something to keep your body hydrated because, I mean, it’ll dehydrate you, and you’ll get out here and get in trouble,” he said.