Which Texas Lake Has the Most Boating-Related Deaths?

Photo of a sinking boat

According to SFGate, Lake Conroe is number one when it comes to having the most boating-related deaths. This year alone, the 21,000-acre lake has had four deadly boating accidents. Since 2000, 22 people have died, which is only two more than Lake Livingston.

Lake Travis and Lake Lewisville tied for third place with 17 boating-related fatalities. Lake Palestine came in fourth place with 16 deaths.

SFGate says, “In 2000, Texas recorded 53 fatalities among 257 boating accidents. Last year, 21 people were killed in 145 accidents.” This means that boater education and increased law enforcement have helped tremendously in lowering the number of boating-related accidents. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), says that alcohol is still the number one cause of most boating-related fatalities.

Can a Person Be Arrested for Operating a Boat Drunk?

Similar to an arrest for a DWI, a person operating a boat while drunk can be arrested and charged with boating while intoxicated (BWI). As with a DWI, a person operating a boat with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher can be arrested for a BWI.

Texas game wardens are primarily responsible for ensuring boating safety. TPWD says the most common water safety citations include:

• Not having enough lifejackets on board the boat
• Children under the age of 13 not wearing a life jacket

With over 580,000 registered boats in Texas, it is important that boaters remain vigilant when having a good time on the water. Unfortunately, too many people are careless and reckless on the water, because they do not believe the laws are as strict on the waters as they are on the road. Not true.

Did You Know? According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, alcohol plays a role in 50 percent of all boating accidents.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Personal Injury Attorney

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/news/texas/article/Lake-Conroe-deadliest-for-Texas-boaters-since-2000-5665419.php