There’s been a sharp rise in boating-related fatalities and a spike in arrests for boating-while-intoxicated (BWI) statewide, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) said in a statement issued today.
Texas game wardens urge boaters to follow the rules and use safety precautions to avoid preventable accidents on Canyon Lake this weekend.
“Texas game wardens will be out in full force this holiday, working day and night to protect everyone enjoying our lakes, rivers and coastal waters,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD’s law enforcement director. “We have zero tolerance for boating while intoxicated—because one reckless decision on the water can have deadly consequences.”
As of June 30, Texas has experienced 59 water-related fatalities this year, including 38 open-water drownings and 21 boating-related deaths. That’s a 75-percent increase in boating-related fatalities from this time last year.
From Memorial Day weekend through the end of June, 12 people died in open-water drownings, six succumbed to boating-related incidents and 13 people were arrested for BWI.
Game wardens issued 213 citations for life jacket violations during the month of June.
They are working closely with local law enforcement to curb this deadly trend over the July 4 weekend. Operation Dry Water is in effect nationwide.
The campaign focuses on eliminating impaired boating.
Alcohol remains the leading known factor in recreational boating deaths.
Of the 83 BWI arrests by Texas game wardens this year, 62 of those occurred in May, with the majority issued during Memorial Day Weekend. That’s a 25 percent increase from the same time last year.
“If you’re drinking and operating a boat, you’re not only breaking the law–you’re putting lives at risk,” said Cody Jones, assistant commander for marine enforcement. “We want your celebrations to end with fireworks and family, not emergency calls and sirens.”
Key Safety Reminders:
- Wear a life jacket: required for children under 13, strongly encouraged for all.
- Use your engine cut-off switch: It’s the law and can help prevent serious injury.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Penalties include fines and license suspension.
- Take a boater safety course: Required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993 operating certain vessels.
- Personal watercraft operators must wear a life jacket, follow the 50-foot rule and stay off the water after sunset.
- Be weather-aware, communicate your plans, and avoid overcrowding your boat.
- Avoid saltwater if you have open wounds, as Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in Texas coastal waters.
“We need the public to be responsible, plan ahead, and take safety seriously,” said Jones. “Many of the deaths that have occurred in Texas waters so far this year were preventable.”
TPWD asks anyone who witnesses dangerous or illegal behavior to report it immediately and anonymously via Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’s wildlife crime-stoppers program.
OGT offers rewards of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to the conviction of those who violate wildlife, fishing or boating laws:
- Text your tip: Text the keyword TXOGT and your tip information to 847411
- Use the Texas OGT App: Available on iOS and Android
- Call anonymously: 800-792-GAME (4263)
Tipsters are encouraged to include any information, photos or videos that may be helpful. Tips will be reviewed by our agency personnel, who may respond to ask for more details and continue the anonymous conversation with you.
Do not use this form to report emergencies or requests that require immediate law enforcement response. In an emergency, always call 911.
