Texas Game Wardens Ramp Up Patrols for Memorial Day Water Safety

Memorial Day Weekend can be a lot of fun on the lakes in Texas, until it isn't. Texas Game Wardens are reminding everyone to be safe on the lakes as you celebrate the holiday weekend. We are pretty fortunate in Texarkana with lakes in Texas and in Arkansas so close to us.

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There is a lot of traffic on the water. In Texas, there are over 560,000 registered boats and around 359,000 unregistered paddlecrafts like kayaks, canoes and paddleboards on the water. Practicing water safety is a must...be sure to wear a life jacket, do not drink and drive a boat and please follow the basic boating rules.

Texas Game Wardens will be out in full force on Memorial Day Weekend, making sure the public enjoys the water but is responsible, too. Cody Jones, with the TPWD as the assistant commander for marine enforcement, said last year that many of the injuries and deaths on the water in Texas were preventable.

Whatever craft you are on the water with be sure to know what you need to have with you by law. Game wardens will be out patrolling all summer long and will be there for you in case you need help, and in return, if they stop you and ask how many life jackets you have and other items required to carry by law. Just answer them and be polite; they are only trying to make sure you and your passengers are safe.

A few quick things to remember on the water is, kids under the age of 13 must be wearing a life jacket. Engine cut-off switches are required and boating under the influence comes with very big penalties. I you were born after September 1, 1993, you will need to complete a safety course to drive certain boats.

We can all have fun on the lakes this summer, especially when we play it safe.  You can find more information about boating laws and the TPWD Boater Education Program.