Dear Safe Boater,
As we approach Memorial Day weekend, it’s essential to prioritize boating safety. Whether you’re an experienced boater or a novice, here are some crucial tips to keep in mind:
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Wear a Life Jacket: Make sure everyone on board wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It’s the simplest way to prevent drowning.
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Check Your Equipment: Before heading out, verify that all essential equipment is operational. This includes navigation lights, sound-producing devices (like a horn or whistle), flares and a fire extinguisher.
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Create a Float Plan: Let someone know your boating plans. Share details such as where you’re going, how long you’ll be out and your expected return time.
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Stay Sober: Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired boating can lead to accidents and fatalities.
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Watch the Weather: Keep an eye on weather forecasts. Sudden storms can be dangerous on the water.
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Know Your Surroundings: Be aware of other boats, swimmers and potential hazards. Lake levels are constantly changing. Maintain a safe speed and distance from other vessels and watch for obstacles in the water.
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Comply with Capacity Limits: Don’t overload your boat. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for passenger capacity.
Remember, Memorial Day weekend should be enjoyable, but safety comes first. Have a great time on the water, and stay safe!
Texas Game Wardens and TPWD Boater Education will hit the waterways this holiday weekend to share safety messages with boaters.
Game wardens and other marine safety officers will patrol for violations related to the Texas Water Safety Act (pdf).
When marine safety officers conduct a boating safety check they will be looking for the following:
- Certificate of number and proper boat registration
- Boater education card if you were born on or after September 1, 1993
- Fire extinguisher - fully charged
- Properly fitted life jackets for all passengers on board that are readily accessible, with children under 13 years of age wearing a life jacket while underway
- Throwable life preserver cushion for boats over 16 feet
- Engine cut-off switch
- Sound producing device - horn, whistle or bell
- Navigation lights during low visibility
- An observer when towing (skier, tuber, surfer)
Come see us to learn more on Saturday, May 25 from 10 am - 2 pm at Wakepoint Marina on Lake LBJ and at Lavon Lake Collin Park Marina from 10 am - 2 pm.
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Summer is right around the corner, and what better way to enjoy Texas’ beautiful outdoors than by kayaking? The American Canoe Association (ACA) Texas, in collaboration with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, hosted the Kayaking 101 Program on May 18, 2024. This special event aimed to introduce beginners to the joys of kayaking while emphasizing safety and proper techniques. “Our instructor volunteers were excited to share their love of the sport with newcomers and experienced paddlers alike,” said Andrea White, ACA Southeastern Chair. “Just one day of training can make the difference between setting yourself up for a bad experience that ruins the sport for you versus setting yourself up for a whole lifetime of paddling fun.”
Locations
The program was held at several picturesque state parks across Texas:
Galveston Island State Park: Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Galveston Island State Park provided the perfect backdrop for paddling adventures.
Goose Island State Park: Located near Rockport, Goose Island State Park offered serene waters and abundant wildlife.
Inks Lake State Park: Set in the Texas Hill Country, Inks Lake State Park featured crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs.
Cleburne State Park: Just southwest of Fort Worth, Cleburne State Park provided a peaceful escape for kayakers.
Sea Center Texas: This marine hatchery and education center in Lake Jackson allowed participants to explore the waterways while learning about aquatic ecosystems.
What Participants Learned
During the Kayaking 101 classes, participants gained essential skills and knowledge:
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Trip Planning and Preparation: Understanding how to plan a safe kayaking trip, including route selection and weather considerations.
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Equipment Essentials: Learning about kayak components, paddle types, and the importance of floatation devices.
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Proper Techniques: Mastering basic paddling strokes, boat control, and posture.
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Safety Measures: Discovering self-rescue techniques, including re-entering a kayak after capsizing.
If you are new to paddling, we encourage you to seek out a local ACA instructor to learn how to properly paddle and be safe on the water.
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Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who wishes to operate certain vessels on the public waterways of Texas is required to take a Boater Education Course.
The Boater Education Course includes basic boating knowledge, boating safety equipment, navigation, docking, towing, Texas boating laws, safe operation and water sports.
Choose an Online Boater Education Course
Find a Boater Education Classroom Course
Be aware of direct mail solicitation for boater education courses that is not associated with the state. Sign up for a course directly on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
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Boating and Water Safety Resources
Boater Education | Boating Access | Boating Laws | National Safe Boating Council | Water Safety | Watch Kids Around the Water | National Drowning Prevention Alliance | Invasive Species
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