TYLER — In 2017 alone, 46 people in Texas were killed in boating accidents, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. That's a number the state's game wardens are trying to keep down this year, especially this Memorial Day weekend.

While there are lots of water safety tips, a few are required by law according to Game Warden Quint Balkcom.

"For a boat that's 16 feet or longer, they need to make sure they have one personal flotation device, commonly called a life jacket, which is US coast guard certified, has all the proper markings from the coast guard, and is in readily accessible and good condition," Balkcom said.

It's not required by law for the life jackets to be worn, except for kids under the age of 13.

Other required items include a sound producing device, a throw cushion and a working fire extinguisher.

While alcohol is allowed on the water, the boat operator can't be intoxicated.

"We will be actively enforcing alcohol related incidents this weekend and every weekend until the summer season is over," Balkcom said.

He said their biggest concern each year is drowning.

"A person would attempt to swim to that point would be overtaken, be it a cramp, be it alcohol use, be it fatigue, water, injection of water, at some point they unfortunately don't make it," Balkcom said.

His advice to swimmers is for them to know their swimming ability, and always know what's in the water they're swimming in.

"Never dive into water you can't see the bottom of, and never jump into water that you haven't made sure there's no debris or stumps or anything under there," Balkcom said.

At the end of the day, he said his job is to make sure the lake is fun for everyone.

"Our number one goal is to make sure that people enjoy all things wild, but we've got to do it safe and we've got to do it lawfully," Balkcom said.

He also said his team will have a game warden on every body of water this weekend, actively patrolling for intoxicated boat operators, and the penalties for that are steep.