The May Long Weekend signals the unofficial start of summer. That means more traffic on the streets and more boaters on Okanagan Lake.

RCMP will also hit the water for the start of summer lake patrols.

Officers will be patrolling and checking boats to ensure they have the proper safety equipment in place, making sure they are not drinking and driving and keeping a close eye on noisy boats.

Corporal Gerry Guiltenane, who heads up the lake patrol, says many complaints about boat noise last year means they will get special attention.

He says officers will be carrying portable breath testing machines as they crack down on boat operators who drink and drive.

Boats without mufflers or those who have cutouts or silencers disengaged exhausting into the water in particular will be targeted.

"If they continue to violate or not bring their vessel into compliance with the Canada Shipping Act Small Vessel Regulations then we'll look at taking them to court and we'll be prosecuting them," says Guiltenane.

He says most boaters are aware of the rules, however, those that don't comply will definitely be getting warnings or they will be getting tickets.

Guiltenane says officers will be particularly hard on repeat offenders, who could be in for quite a surprise if they wind up in court.

"Repeat offenders we're going to be taking to court under the new Canada Shipping Act Small Vessel Regulations. If we get these people into court, we can be looking at fines up to $10,000."

Noisy boats can immediately be fined $115 under the small vessel regulations act, and local municipal noise bylaw fines can also be imposed.