24-05-2025
Game wardens urge safety as boating season begins
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — With boating season beginning at lakes and rivers across the Lone Star State, San Angelo's game wardens are urging boaters to exercise caution and take proper safety measures before they leave the shore in their wake.
Game Warden David Hopkins said that among the most frustrating things wardens can encounter when patrolling the waters are children who are not outfitted with life jackets.
'What's frustrating is parents who don't have their kids in life jackets,' Hopkins said.
He shared that Lake Nasworthy has had several boat accidents and deaths occur over the years that were 'preventable.'
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'Unfortunately, over the years, Lake Nasworthy has had its share of boat accidents and fatalities, and most of those were preventable,' Hopkins said. 'So it breaks your heart when you see something that could've been prevented altogether just by simply wearing a life jacket.'
Hopkins said wardens encourage those planning to enjoy the Concho Valley's water bodies during Memorial Day weekend to put on life jackets.
'It's what we ask, that you wear a life jacket this weekend,' Hopkins said. 'Be safe, be careful, have a good time!'
Hopkins also shared that operating a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, at night is illegal under Texas law.
According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's 2024 recreational boating incidents statistics report, 169 incidents, 78 injury incidents and 20 fatal incidents were recorded between Jan. 1., 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024.
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