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|  TPWD News Release 20050808e                                            |
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[ Note: This item is more than seven years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references. ]
[ General Media Contact: Business Hours, 512-389-4406 ]
Aug. 8, 2005
Reminder: Boating Safety Tips
Extra! Read All Aboat It!
--Always wear a life jacket.
--Avoid alcohol.
--Be especially careful on personal watercrafts.
--Children younger than age 13 must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway.
--Enroll in a boater education class.
--Don't overload your boat.
--Operate at a safe speed.
--Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator.
--Watch out for low water areas or submerged objects.
Always Wear A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Or Life Jacket
--Most boating fatality victims were found (recovered) NOT wearing a PFD.
--Always carry extra PFD's in both adult and child sizes.
--Children younger than 13 years old must wear a PFD while underway.
Avoid Alcohol
--The probability of being killed in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved.
--Operating a boat under the influence is just as dangerous as driving a car after you have been drinking.
--Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is strictly enforced and carries penalties similar to driving while intoxicated penalties, including possible Driver's License suspension.
Enroll In A Boater Education Course-Regarless Of Age
--It's a good idea for the whole family to enroll in a boater education course.
--A majority (52 percent) of vessels involved in boating accidents are operated by persons 26-50 years of age.
--For information on classroom, home video and online course options, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us or call (800) 792-1112.
Be Especially Careful On Personal Watercraft (PWC)
--PWC operators and passengers must wear a life jacket.
--Before you borrow or rent a PWC, take the time to learn how to operate the vessel and the rules of the waterway.
--Obey the 50-foot rule! Maintain a 50-foot distance from other PWC's, vessels, persons, shore, or stationary platform or other object unless operating at headway (idle) speed.
Operate At A Safe Speed
--Although there are no numerical speed limits on the water, citations may be issued for excessive speed or reckless operation. Use common sense, and operate at a safe speed at all times --especially in crowded areas.
--Excessive speed is a rate of speed greater than is reasonable or prudent without regard for conditions and hazards or greater than will permit a person to bring the boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
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