Even as state troopers and local police keep a close watch for intoxicated motorists this July 4th weekend, state game wardens will step up water safety patrols on area lakes and waterways.
Texas Parks and Wildlife officials who in March feared a repeat of 2008’s near-record number of boating fatalities now say a quiet Independence Day weekend could put Texas on track for the lowest number of boating deaths in years.
In an effort to make waterways safer, game wardens will be adding boats and officers to water safety patrols on busy lakes near the state’s major urban areas, including Houston, this weekend.
In 2008, 61 boaters died in Texas, tying a 10-year high that was last seen in 2004.
By July 3 last year, the count was already at 36 fatalities, with four multiple-fatality accidents. During the same time period this year, 20 boaters have died in Texas with only two multiple-fatality accidents.
“We certainly don’t want people to become complacent on the water,” said Texas Game Warden Maj. Alfonso Campos, chief of marine enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Even one boating fatality is too many, because in almost every instance it could have been prevented. Still, things are looking better this year than last.”
Campos attributed the drop in deaths to stepped-up enforcement of boating safety laws on the water and increased public awareness.
A “no refusal” weekend on Lake Conroe over the Memorial Day holiday weekend resulted in eight boating while intoxicated arrests and more than 175 citations. No serious accidents and no deaths were reported for the weekend.
Another county-wide BWI/DWI enforcement effort is slated in Montgomery County this weekend.
“No refusal” weekends employ on-site judges, search warrants and blood draws to gather evidence from individuals suspected of boating while intoxicated or driving while intoxicated. The crack-down also uses roving mobile DWI/BWI intoxilyzer units.
Last year’s Fourth of July holiday saw 20 injuries due to boating accidents, but no fatalities. Campos said following a few common-sense rules can lower the number of injuries and keep the number of boating deaths over the weekend at zero this year.
“Wear a life jacket. It’s required for children under the age of 13 and for operators of personal watercraft, but it’s a really good idea for anyone,” he said. “We also encourage anyone who is using alcohol on the water to designate a sober driver for the boat and for a safe ride home.”
By: John Pape on Fri, Jul 3, 2009
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