As Texans brace for sweltering July heat and prepare to beat it by taking to the state's refreshing waterways, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is putting safety first. With the Fourth of July weekend being a peak time for aquatic recreation, TPWD is emphasizing the importance of following boating safety laws and making smart choices while out on the water.
In partnership with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and law enforcement across the state and nation, Texas Game Wardens are participating in Operation Dry Water—a national campaign designed to prevent boating under the influence (BWI) incidents. Despite recurring warnings, alcohol remains a persistent issue. According to the TPWD, Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement, Cody Jones, highlighted that "Alcohol use continues to be a leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor of boating incidents."
Last year, the holiday weekend saw 56 individuals arrested for BWI, with additional motorists booked for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Faced with 1,521 citations and 1,891 warnings for violations, this year, the stakes are higher, as the presence of children under the age of 15 aboard results in heightened legal repercussions; BWI with a child passenger now parallels the legal severity of a DWI with a child presence. Offenders could be looking at six months to two years in state jail and fines up to $10,000, as per TPWD.
But the agency's reminder isn't solely focused on the consequences of irresponsible boating—it's about prevention. "We see it year after year – holiday celebrations ending in accidents or fatalities caused by unsafe boating practices, including the over-consumption of alcohol," Jones told TPWD. Authorities urge the public to adopt safe practices: wear life jackets, utilize the boat’s ignition safety switch, stay weather vigilant, and participate in a boater education class.
