Across the state, folks are making plans for barbeques and relaxing days on lakes, rivers and the Texas coast to celebrate the Fourth of July. Before taking a dip, Texas Game Wardens urge everyone spending time in the water to remember to follow basic safety precautions while on the water.
Simple steps to take before heading out on the water include wearing a life jacket, learning to swim, using the ignition safety switch, checking weather reports and participating in a boater education class.
Last year, wardens issued 1,560 citations and 1,976 warnings for various boating safety law violations. Forty-nine individuals were also arrested for Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), and eight others were charged for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, another 23 people were arrested for various other charges.
