CLAY COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Water safety is always top priority.

“Drowning is our biggest fear,” Texas Game Warden Dillan Conley said.

The sun is out, and Texas Game Wardens are expecting a busy summer for Texas lakes.

Conley stresses the importance of having a lifejacket for every single passenger on a boat.

“One thing that we run across with lifejackets is the Coast Guard approved, [so] as long as it says ‘US Coast Guard approved,’ it’ll actually give the weights that it recommends for as long as it says that,'” Conley said. “Then, it’s good.”

Kids under 13 must wear a lifejacket at all times.

Before you start cruising the waves, make sure you have your boating education, boater registration card, kill switch, fire extinguisher, and sound-producing device.

Also, be mindful of no wake zones, Conley said.

“Our safety equipment’s designed to help you and other boats on the water. There’s no driving lanes so people can drive crazy,” Conley said. “You’re constantly watching out. Boaters have to watch out for other boaters, be there for them.”

A big emphasis over July 4th is boating while intoxicated. Game wardens said that over Memorial Day weekend, they made nearly 40 arrests.

“It’s a state jail felony if [there are] child passengers aboard. Good rule of thumb is every one beer on the water is equal to two on land because most people aren’t drinking that much water, they’re getting constantly beat by the sun,” Conley said. “They’re having fun. So it’s a major dehydrator.”

Most importantly, Conley wants boaters to be helpful to other boaters until first responders arrive.

“They might need assistance with something else. They might have a medical issue. You don’t know,” Conley said. “So, everyone help everyone. This is a community affair. Have fun.”

As game wardens patrol the waters, you’re ensured to have a safe and fun summer.

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