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Texas game wardens
As Texans hit the waterways across the state to recognize July 4th, Texas game wardens were out in force to ensure everyone stayed safe on the water.
“Texas Game Wardens partnered with thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country for Operation Dry Water to focus on impacts of alcohol on boaters during high-traffic weekends like July 4th,” said Cody Jones, Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “These efforts are represented in the work we did during the July 4th weekend.”
In addition to issuing 1,560 citations and 1,976 warnings for various boating safety law violations, wardens arrested 49 individuals for Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) and filed eight other charges for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, another 23 people were arrested for various other charges.
Texas Game Wardens also conducted multiple searches and rescues over the holiday weekend. Additionally, they assisted with 38 reportable boating accidents at several Texas lakes and rivers.
Texas Game Wardens also dealt with one boating fatality and 10 open-water fatalities on Texas waterways over the Independence Day weekend. The boating-related fatality occurred on Canyon Lake.