Dear Safe Boater,
The biggest summer holiday weekend is here and Texas Game Wardens are preparing for increased enforcement as they participate in the 17th annual Operation Dry Water (ODW) weekend. This three-day national enforcement campaign focuses on boating under the influence and is held near the Fourth of July holiday. This year the ODW weekend is July 4-6, 2024.
During ODW in 2024, Texas Game Wardens issued 1,794 warnings, 1,326 citations, and made 32 BWI arrests. There were 22 boat accidents, 5 fatalities, and 4 open water drownings during the holiday weekend as well.
Why It Matters
BWI is a leading contributor to boating fatalities: alcohol is involved in roughly 17% of recreational boating deaths.
In 2024, the campaign delivered:
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Participation from 485 agencies deploying 7,100+ officers across all 50 states.
- Contact with 296,190 boaters, leading to 584 BWI arrests and over 43,000 safety citations and warnings.
- Since 2009, Operation Dry Water has helped remove over 7,453 impaired operators.
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As Texans across the state prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, BBQ, and time on the water, we’re urging all boaters to expect the unexpected—and wear a life jacket.
Boating is one of the best ways to enjoy our state’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. But even experienced swimmers and seasoned captains can find themselves in unpredictable situations.
It’s Not Just About the Law—It’s About Your Life
In Texas, anyone under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway on a boat, and all vessels must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person onboard. But legal compliance is just the start.
The safest boaters wear their life jackets at all times—because emergencies don’t wait.
Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle
Modern life jackets are designed for comfort, mobility, and style. From sleek inflatable vests to foam jackets with cooling mesh backs, there’s a life jacket for every activity. If it’s too hot, too bulky, or too tight—you’re wearing the wrong one.
Tips for Staying Safe This Weekend:
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Wear It When You’re On the Water. Accidents happen fast—you won’t have time to grab your jacket.
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Check the Fit. Make sure it’s snug, zipped, and buckled.
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Inspect Before You Go. Look for signs of wear, mildew, or missing straps.
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Choose the Right Style. Use jackets labeled for your activity—boating, paddling, fishing, or personal watercraft.
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Set the Example. Kids follow adults. If you wear yours, they’re more likely to wear theirs.
Celebrate Responsibly
July 4th is one of the busiest weekends on Texas waterways. Increased boat traffic, alcohol consumption, and long hours in the sun can all raise the risk. Stay alert, boat sober, and keep safety at the forefront of your celebration.
Remember: you may not plan to fall in, but you can plan to survive it!
Wear your life jacket. Expect the unexpected. And have a safe and unforgettable Fourth of July on the water.
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Texas has experienced a troubling increase in paddlecraft-related fatalities this year, with multiple deaths reported statewide. These tragedies highlight critical safety concerns: capsizing, failure to wear life jackets, unfamiliar hazards, and dangerous encounters with motorized vessels.
Key Safety Reminders:
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Life Jackets Save Lives: PFDs—Everyone. Every Time. Wearing a life jacket is essential, even in calm waters.
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Stay Situationally Aware: Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Inform someone of your paddling plans and expected return time.
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Know How to Recover: Practice self- and assisted-rescue techniques regularly. Skills like wet exits, re-entries, towing, and using rescue boards can make all the difference. Capsizing happens—even to experienced paddlers.
Free Paddling Courses
Smart Start for Safe Paddling
BoaterExam Paddle Safety Course
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Canoes, Kayaks, and Standup Paddleboards must all follow the same life jackets laws as motorized vessels. Anyone under 13 must be wearing a properly fitted life jacket at all times while underway, and there must be an accessible life jacket on board for everyone else. The best way to stay safe is for everyone to wear a PFD. |
Getting a BWI with a child less than 15 on board is a State Jail Felony in the State of Texas. Don't risk it, operate sober and save the alcohol for the shore. |
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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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