your first time i would recommend taking someone that knows what they are doing with you, or going to a ramp that is barely used. Week nights are generally a good time to go practice stuff like that on Alum.
Main things you need are:
Flares/distress flag, audiable horn or some kind, life vests for everyone on the boat, throwable life presever, flame supressor thing on your carb.... I'm sure there is more that I am forgetting. If you wanna meet at Alum sometime I can help you launch it sometime, I only live 10 mins away.