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Dear Registered Boater,
If you plan to be out on the water this Memorial Day weekend, please take these simple steps to boat safely and responsibly.
Boat Smart. Boat Safe.
Follow these 5 tips to boat safe and avoid citations this summer:
- Wear a life jacket
- Avoid alcohol
- Supervise children
- Use the safety switch
- Learn how to swim
These steps are critical in practicing boating safety and ignoring them can lead to unfortunate results. See true stories from people affected by boating or swimming-related accidents.
New Boating Law
Kali’s Law now requires Texas boat operators to wear an engine cutoff switch when operating a boat under 26 ft. in length that is equipped with the switch and is going greater than headway speed.
More on this law and other boating regulations at OutdoorAnnual.com/Boating.
You play an important role in protecting the lakes we love from invasive species. Invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels can ruin fishing, boating, and swimming for everyone. There are still many Texas lakes without invasive species, but boaters can unknowingly transfer them upstream, to other river basins, or even to other states. What can you do to help? Even if you don't see anything on your boat, clean, drain, and dry it before traveling from lake to lake.
 If your boat has been stored in the water on a lake with zebra mussels, there's a good chance they've attached to your boat. Before moving your boat to another lake, it must be decontaminated. Call us at (512) 389-4848 for guidance.
Stay Clear of Coastal Waterbird Rookeries
 If you're boating on the coast this time of year, you're likely to spot iconic coastal birds like brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, black skimmers and reddish egrets nesting in dense colonies, called rookeries. Many of these birds are experiencing major population declines.
While on the water, steer clear of the nesting areas – give at least 50 yards of space – to avoid disturbing the birds.
Get More from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Sign up for free email updates on the Texas outdoors. Choose the topics that interest you, from state parks to fishing or hunting. There are even weekly fishing reports to tell you what's biting at your favorite lake or bay.
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