Compared to last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend, Texas Game Wardens patrolling water systems across the state observed an increase in water-related mortality and boating accidents.
The weekend is a busy day for Texas Game Wardens because it typically signals the end of the illegal fishing time and the start of dove season.
Cody Jones, assistant commander for maritime enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said that” Game Wardens patrolled the state’s waterways to maintain boating laws were followed, to confirm vessels had correct safety gear, and, above all, ensuring that recreational boaters and anglers remained safe.”
Five boating accidents, two boat-related casualties, and two open-water deaths were reported by wardens patrolling the area between September 2 and 4. Additionally, they detained five people for drunken fishing, one of whom had a young rider on board. In 2022, jailers responded to three kayaking mishaps, no fatalities related to boats, and one swimming in open water.
While the deaths happened at Lake Whitney State Park and Lake Lavon, the boating-related mortality took place at Amistad Reservoir and river Ray Hubbard.
According to Jones,” We are saddened by the deaths on our lakes, and we are thinking and praying for the people.” These dreadful occurrences ought to serve as a reminder of how crucial it is to take boater education courses and equip yourself with the necessary safety gear.
