Make a splash safely during water safety month

AUSTIN – As temperatures across the state start to heat up, many Texans will begin taking refuge in the water.

In 2023, 175 boating accidents occurred in Texas waters, resulting in 28 fatalities.

Cody Jones, Texas Game Warden assistant commander for marine enforcement, is confident those numbers can shrink with more awareness and safety training.

Jones also offers these safety tips: wear a life jacket, use an engine cut-off switch and take a boater safety education course.

In 2023, drowning accounted for more than 57 percent of deaths on the water and was the leading cause of death in recreational boating fatalities.

Of those, 75 percent of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Under the Water Safety Act, Texas law requires that a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be available and accessible for each occupant of a boat or paddle craft.

Children under the age of 13 are required, by law, to wear their life jacket while the boat or paddle craft is underway or drifting.

If a life jacket is too big, whether on an adult or child, it can push up around the swimmer’s face and will not perform properly. TPWD has put together a quick, informative video about how to select the correct size of life jacket for children.

Please refer to TPWD’s Boater Education website for more information about life jacket fitting, safety and regulations.

Engine cut-off switches are another important tool to prevent injuries and fatalities.

Most motorized boats are equipped with this device, typically attached with a lanyard.

Texas law requires that anyone operating a personal watercraft or motorboat less than 26 feet in length must have the engine cut-off device attached to themselves, their clothing or their life jacket when operating at greater than idle speed.

In the event the boat operator falls off the boat or moves from the helm, the engine automatically and immediately shuts off.

While enjoying Texas State Parks and water resources this summer, please stay safe, stay aware and stay buckled into your life jacket.