Review boating safety rules as spring approaches

BRAZOS RIVER AUTHORITY

John Riley has been with the Brazos River Authority for several years as a lake ranger sergeant.

We’re just a few days away from spring break here in Hood County, and if the weather holds, many of you will be heading out to the lake with your families. Before you do, here are a few things to keep in mind.

DON’T FORGET THE LIFE JACKETS

It’s hard to believe that something so ordinary could make such a massive difference in your life – or death. Accidental drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. No matter your experience or capabilities, wearing a life jacket can ensure everyone comes home at the end of the day. Isn’t that worth the slight inconvenience? 

HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR BOAT TO ANOTHER LAKE?

If you’ve taken your boat out of Lake Granbury to visit another lake in Texas, don’t forget to clean, drain, and dry, even if it’s been a few weeks or even a few months.  Zebra mussels have not yet been found in Lake Granbury, but they’ve been verified in other lakes in the state. 

Why is this a big deal? Zebra mussels are an invasive species not native to Texas that take over the local ecosystem. They will attach to your boat, dock or any hard surface. They’ll even clog up the pipes for the local drinking water system, which in the end, will affect everyone’s water bills as providers work to keep drinking water flowing. 

Zebra mussels can live in bilge water for months. Before putting back into Lake Granbury, make sure you don’t have any hitchhikers onboard.  Remember the slogan: Clean, drain and dry.

HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED?

In your excitement to hit the water, don’t forget to watch your wake!  Whether there are 50 boats on the lake or just one, per the Texas Water Safety Act, a boat operator is always responsible for the wake caused by their boat until it flattens out. This is true for all watercraft including rented boats, PWCs and especially wake surfing crafts that are specifically designed to generate large waves.

NO WAKE ZONES

There are orange and white no wake buoys on Lake Granbury that let you know where watercraft must operate at a slow headway speed that does not create a wake or swell. This includes all areas within 50 feet of the shoreline, any boathouse, dock or other shoreline facility, including other boats or areas where people are swimming, whether marked by a buoy or not.

The State of Texas is serious about no wake zones. Violating this law could cost a boater up to $500 citation. But more than that, if someone can prove your wake has damaged their property, you can be held responsible for repairs to their boat or dock. Slowing down is much easier on your wallet than being confronted with costly repairs to another person’s property.

CHANNEL MARKERS

Finally, if you’re new to the lake and are not yet familiar with the many underwater hazards such as stumps and rocks, please remember to navigate close to the channel markers. It doesn’t take long to learn where submerged hazards are located, but it is easier to do so without damaging your watercraft.

Remember to stay to the right of the channel markers to avoid moving head-on to another watercraft.

IN TROUBLE?

If you’re out on the lake and you find yourself in trouble, you can call 911 for help. Our local county dispatch will contact us or a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden who will be sent out to help. 

If you have questions or concerns, call our office. We’re happy to answer your questions at 817-573-3212. 

brazos.org