AUSTIN – 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.
