WEBSTER, Mass. - Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and some police departments in the area are preparing for increased traffic on local lakes and ponds.

Webster Lake is known for having the longest name in the U.S. Lake Chaubunagungamaug loosely translates to, "You fish on your side, I'll fish on my side, and no one shall fish in the middle," and being respectful of the rules still stands for people out on the lake today.

Chief Michael Shaw said Webster Police will be staffing their Lake Marine Patrol all weekend.

Shaw said the unit works closely with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Webster Fire-Rescue, and Webster EMS to make sure everyone is safe out on Webster Lake.

It's a popular spot for visitors. Shaw said there's a good mix of town residents and out of towners. He added everyone is welcome as long as they're respectful of the rules and other boating traffic.

"The weather right now looks good. So, we expect to have some heavy traffic out there, which is great," Shaw said. "We just ask that people do obey the rules. Webster Lake is a very unique lake; it's a great pond. So it has, quite a few no wake zones that people need to pay attention to. There's also a few low spots. It's also a dry lake. So, there's no alcohol consumption allowed at all, either on Memorial Beach or on the water itself. And you can be subject to arrest for that if you are caught."

Shaw recommends taking a boating safety course for anyone who hasn't done so and plans to spend some time out on the water.

The environmental police offers the free informative classes a few times a year. You can find the boating safety course schedule on Mass.gov