Texas Game Wardens report most incidents, fatalities preventable with basic safety measures
May 13, 2026 – As temperatures rise across Texas, more people will head to lakes, rivers and coastal waters to cool off. May is National Water Safety Month, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds Texans that simple precautions can prevent injuries and save lives.
“In Texas, spending time on the water is part of our way of life, but it also comes with real risks,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD Law Enforcement Director. “Most incidents we see are preventable. Wearing a life jacket, staying aware of your surroundings and following state laws can make the difference between a good day on the water and a tragic outcome.”
In 2025, Texas saw 178 boating incidents*, resulting in 50 fatalities and 77 injuries that required more than first aid. Drowning accounted for 70 percent of those fatalities*, and 84 percent of victims were not wearing a life jacket.
Under the Texas Water Safety Act, a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be available for each person on board a vessel. Children younger than 13 are required by law to wear one while the vessel is underway.
“Life jackets only work if you’re wearing them,” VanderRoest said. “In an emergency, there is rarely time to find one and put it on.”
Texas law also requires basic safety equipment, including a sound-producing device such as a whistle, navigation lights when operating at night and, for certain vessels, an engine cut-off switch that must be worn when operating above idle speed.
Alcohol continues to be a leading contributing factor in fatal boating incidents and operating a vessel while intoxicated carries penalties similar to driving while intoxicated.
Paddling, including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, is one of the fastest growing activities on Texas waters. Paddle sports account for approximately six percent of reported boating incidents but 32 percent of fatalities.
Paddlers are required to carry a life jacket for each person on board and a sound-producing device. Wind, current and changing conditions can quickly create dangerous situations, especially on open water.
“Paddlers are often more exposed to the elements,” VanderRoest said. “Wearing a life jacket and checking conditions ahead of time can make a significant difference.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage everyone recreating on the water to:
- Wear a life jacket
- Stay sober
- Be aware of weather and water conditions
- Take a boater education course
“Experience does not replace good judgment,” VanderRoest said. “Stay alert and don’t take unnecessary risks.”
*Does not include open water drownings.
