SMITH COUNTY, Texas — Summertime means boating fun, but so far this year the number of boating accidents in the state of Texas are at an all-time high. Water safety experts explain why the accident numbers are going up.
“It happens sadly throughout the state, throughout the nation every holiday,” said Texas Game Warden Todd Long. “Unfortunately we have seen state wide numbers increase and especially with the Fourth of July holiday we see a lot of extra people on the lake and these are different boaters, swimmers, Canoers, etc. that some of them they only get on the water once a year and they have varying levels of experience, it may be their first time in a boat.”
Cody Jones with Texas Parks and Wildlife says that when Covid hit, people wanted to get outside and they wanted to do it in a safe manner
“But what came with it was a density of boaters, new boaters and because of that we saw an increase in boating accidents, fatalities and injuries that occurred,” said Jones.
“Not only that but the conditions out there are constantly changing. Whether it is the weather or other boaters, wind, waves, etc. and you introduced alcohol, sometimes we have intoxicated boaters, all of these things are affecting the safety, the boat accidents and sadly even drownings,” said Long. “Sadly we’ve already had drownings here in East Texas this year and it can happen so quick and so quietly.”
There are things that can be done to decrease accidents. First, wear a life jacket, not only that but make sure the lifejacket is the correct size.
“Have them accessible, it is a state law to have them accessible and for kids under 13 they must have them on all the time. Take a boater education class, they can do that online now. Learn to swim, swimming lessons. Have your safety equipment in order. Avoid alcohol, absolutely avoid alcohol or at the very least have a designated driver,” said Long.
Use navigation lights if on the water after sunset.
“Slow down, just use common sense. Expect larger crowds, especially 4th of July weekend,” Long said.
People can go online and go to texasparksandwildlife.gov to find a summary of Texas boating laws that can be printed out and there are also apps available
“I encourage people to get to know the lake that they’re traveling to maybe call the Game Warden in that area,” said Long. “A lot of folks, especially in my part of Greg County here will get on the river and the river conditions are changing all the time. They need to be careful whether it is underwater obstructions, or currents, or dislodged stumps, fences that might be submerged. Slow down and remember the weather is constantly changing the threats in the river.”
Long also warns those planning on celebrating in our area rivers to be aware that the highwater’s may hide hidden dangers and the current will be much stronger than normal.