Labor Day weekend is almost here, and many Rio Grande Valley families are expected to head to the water to fish, boat and spend time outdoors.

Channel 5 News joined Texas Game Warden Calvin Atkinson for a ride-along at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park to learn what boaters should keep in mind this holiday weekend.

Martin Mendoza, an Arroyo City resident, brings his boat to the park every year as a family tradition. His family, including his 8 grandchildren, enjoys going on the water, fishing, and spending time with one another.

"Well, you need to make sure you have all the safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and life jackets, and check the engine every weekend to give it a tune-up," Mendoza said.

Atkinson says all boaters need to share the water and avoid making large wakes that cause smaller boats to lose balance. He recommends everyone create a float plan, which means telling someone where you are launching, where you are going, and when you plan to come back.

Atkinson says people also need to take weather conditions into account. With the Valley heat, boaters should bring plenty of water and shade.

Children younger than 13 on the water are required to wear a life jacket.

"We do end up getting some search and rescues for these families that aren't very familiar with the areas," Atkinson said. "So, then, you know, in the middle of the night, we're out here trying to look for these people because they're lost. They have medical conditions, and they don't know where they're at." 

Game wardens are increasing patrols this weekend.

Last Labor Day weekend, Texas game wardens responded to seven boating incidents across the state. Two people died in boating-related incidents, and wardens made seven boating-while intoxicated arrests.

"You can still become arrested for operating a vessel above a .08 or a loss of your mental and physical faculties," Atkinson said. "So we just advise people to keep their drinking to a minimum if they're going to be operating a vessel, or none at all."

Watch the video above for the full story.