In addition to handling those tragedies, game wardens issued hundreds of water-safety citations and made numerous arrests, including 31 persons for boating while intoxicated, 7 for driving while intoxicated, 14 for public intoxication, and 36 on various drug-related offenses.
"Texas game wardens will remember this Memorial Day weekend for years to come," said Lt. Col. Danny Shaw, deputy director of law enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). "...This was one of the deadliest three-day holidays in recent memory," he added, noting that wardens responded to a total of 21 boating accidents. In addition to the four boating-related deaths involved, there were two serious injuries.
"Everyone must play a part in increasing water safety in Texas," said Col. Craig Hunter, TPWD director of law enforcement. "I urge every Texan to wear a life jacket while on our lakes, rivers and bays and not to consume alcohol while boating in Texas. Your life could well depend on it."
That's good advice for everyone, whether they be Texans, Virginians or otherwise. Here are a few more words to the wise:
* Check the weather forecast before heading out.
* Use common sense and operate responsibly.
* Take a boating safety course.
* Don't overload your boat.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are more than 12 million registered recreational boats in the United States. With so many boaters enjoying the waterways, it's no surprise that more than 4,062 accidents were reported in 2013. Of that number, 560 people died, 2,620 were injured, and property damage amounted to approximately $39 million. Compared to 2012, the number of accidents decreased 10 percent, the number of deaths decreased 14 percent, and the number of injuries decreased 12.7 percent.
There's no mystery to boating safety. Understanding and obeying navigational rules and safety procedures has proven to save lives while reducing injuries and property damage.
Boat smart, my friends.
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