As temperatures climb across Texas, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters will soon fill with families looking for relief from the heat. But with the start of National Water Safety Month, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging Texans to take simple, life‑saving precautions before heading out.

“In Texas, spending time on the water is part of our way of life, but it also comes with real risks,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD Law Enforcement Director. “Most incidents we see are preventable. Wearing a life jacket, staying aware of your surroundings and following state laws can make the difference between a good day on the water and a tragic outcome.”

A Preventable Pattern

In 2025, Texas recorded 178 boating incidents, resulting in 50 fatalities and 77 injuries requiring more than basic first aid. Drowning accounted for 70 percent of those deaths, and in 84 percent of cases, the victim was not wearing a life jacket.

Under the Texas Water Safety Act, every vessel must carry a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket for each person on board, and children under 13 must wear one while the boat is underway. VanderRoest stresses that having a life jacket nearby isn’t enough.

“Life jackets only work if you’re wearing them,” he said. “In an emergency, there is rarely time to find one and put it on.”

Safety Starts Before You Launch

Texas law requires boaters to carry basic safety equipment, including a sound‑producing device like a whistle, navigation lights for nighttime operation, and—on certain vessels—an engine cut‑off switch that must be worn when traveling above idle speed. Alcohol remains a leading factor in fatal boating incidents, and operating a vessel while intoxicated carries penalties similar to driving while intoxicated.

Paddle Sports on the Rise—and So Are Risks

Kayaking, canoeing, and stand‑up paddleboarding continue to grow in popularity across Texas waters. While paddle sports account for only six percent of reported boating incidents, they make up 32 percent of fatalities. Paddlers must carry a life jacket and a sound‑producing device, and they face unique hazards from wind, current, and rapidly changing conditions.

“Paddlers are often more exposed to the elements,” VanderRoest noted. “Wearing a life jacket and checking conditions ahead of time can make a significant difference.”

Game Wardens’ Top Safety Reminders

Texas Game Wardens encourage everyone enjoying the water to:

• Wear a life jacket
• Stay sober
• Be aware of weather and water conditions
• Take a boater education course

“Experience does not replace good judgment,” VanderRoest said. “Stay alert and don’t take unnecessary risks.”

About Texas Game Wardens

Texas Game Wardens, part of TPWD’s Law Enforcement Division, protect natural resources, enforce state laws, and support public safety through community‑based enforcement. They also play a vital role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, underscoring their commitment to both the environment and the people of Texas.

If you witness a wildlife, fishing, or boating violation, report it immediately to Operation Game Thief at 1‑800‑792‑GAME (4263), text TXOGT plus your tip to 847411, or use the Texas OGT app. Dispatchers are available 24/7.