TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As boaters gear up for one of the busiest weekends on the water, we joined Sea Tow Tampa Bay to learn what every captain should know before setting sail. From essential gear to potentially dangerous mistakes, safety is front and center.

“It’s one of our busiest days,” Sea Tow crew members said during a recent ride-along, referring to Memorial Day weekend.

Sea Tow operates 24/7, patrolling the waterways and responding to distress calls across Tampa Bay. Their crews are constantly on alert and ready to assist when things go wrong, which they often do.

“Operating a boat is a lot different than operating a vehicle,” explained Captain Stephen Vigilante. “We have two throttles up front and a steering wheel—but boats don’t have brakes. That makes a huge difference.”

Vigilante warns that Memorial Day weekend is no time to take shortcuts. Knowing the waterways is essential, especially during low tide.

“It’s dangerous if you don’t know the waterway. Watching the tides is crucial,” he said.

While you’re enjoying time on the water, first responders urge you to make a safe part of your plan. One important law: if you’re operating a vessel under 26 feet on plane, you must wear a kill switch.

“We had an event a few weeks ago where someone wasn’t wearing a kill switch, fell overboard, and we had a runaway boat in Sarasota Bay,” Chief Derek Waters with the coast guard said.

And finally, don’t forget the basics. Just like first responders, Sea Tow reminds everyone: make sure every person on board wears a life jacket. It could save a life.