Texas Game Wardens Urge Boaters to Put Safety First After Spike in Fatalities

A Texas Game Warden patrol boat on the water. Game wardens are stepping up enforcement efforts this summer as boating-related fatalities climb across the state.

With summer temperatures soaring and families heading to the lake to cool off, Texas Game Wardens are sounding the alarm on water safety after a troubling spike in boating-related deaths and drownings statewide.

As of June 30, Texas has reported 59 water-related fatalities this year, including 38 open-water drownings and 21 boating-related deaths — a staggering 75% increase in boating-related fatalities compared to this time last year.

“These aren’t just numbers. These are lives lost–friends, family, children–often due to something that could have been prevented,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of law enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

From Memorial Day weekend through June, 12 people died in open-water drownings and another six in boating-related incidents, while 13 individuals were arrested for boating while intoxicated (BWI). Game Wardens also issued 213 citations for life jacket violations in June alone.

With more than 560,000 registered boats — and an estimated 359,000 unregistered paddlecraft — on Texas waterways, including the heavily used Lake Sam Rayburn, local wardens are urging boaters to make smart decisions before heading out.

Key Safety Reminders from TPWD:

• Wear a life jacket: required for children under 13, strongly encouraged for everyone.

• Use your engine cut-off switch: it’s the law, and it can prevent serious injuries.

• Never operate a boat under the influence: boating while intoxicated can lead to arrest, fines, and license suspensions.

• Complete a boater safety course: required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, who operates certain vessels.

• Personal watercraft operators must wear life jackets, follow the 50-foot rule, and stay off the water after sunset.

• Check the weather, share your plans, and avoid overcrowding your boat.

• Avoid saltwater with open wounds due to naturally occurring Vibrio bacteria.

“We need the public to be responsible, plan ahead and take safety seriously,” added Capt. Jones of the TPWD Law Enforcement Division. “Many of the deaths that have occurred in Texas waters so far this year were preventable.”

If you witness dangerous or illegal activity on the water, Operation Game Thief encourages the public to report it anonymously. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for tips that lead to a conviction.

How to Report:

• Text: Send TXOGT and your tip to 847411.

• Call: 800-792-GAME (4263).

• Use the Texas OGT app on iOS or Android.

• Dispatchers are available 24/7, but remember: for emergencies, always call 911.

“Our duty is clear: ensure every Texan and visitor can enjoy the outdoors safely, and we will enforce the law to the fullest extent to make that happen,” VanderRoest stated.

Texas Game Wardens, under the TPWD Law Enforcement Division, also play a crucial role in search and rescue during natural disasters, highlighting their mission to protect both natural resources and public safety.