EAST TEXAS (KLTV) – For many East Texas children, this was their last weekend of recreation before they have to go back to school, and game wardens are trying to ensure a safe weekend on the lakes.
“Families will be out on the waterways and we want to encourage people, ‘Let’s finish the summer off strong.’ Watch the kids. Really watch your little ones,” said Gregg County Game Warden Todd Long.
Statistically, wildlife officials are recording more incidents involving young people on waterways during this last weekend before school starts. In 2023, 90 children drowned in Texas, an increase of about 20% from the previous year.
Alcohol is a factor that further complicates the situation as a safety issue.
“We know there will be alcohol on the water. We encourage boaters not to drink and drive,” Long said.
Gamekeepers not only pay attention to the sufficient number of life jackets, but also to the right size.
“We don’t want a child in an adult life jacket because he or she would slip out immediately,” said another game warden.
“On the boats, the law requires you to wear a life jacket if you are under 13,” Long said.
Given a number of variables ranging from alcohol to disregard for safety regulations, the goal is to prevent potential tragedies.
“Encourage the kids not to be reckless. Let’s do this carefully. Let’s get the kids back to school safely. Keep someone safe, keep someone’s life safe,” Long said.
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