Archive for May 22nd, 2009

Mind Your Buoys

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Think of buoys and water markers just like you would a traffic signal or sign on a roadway

There may be some that indicate a speed limit…some that indicate there is not a wake allowed…a lot of inland buoys will contain information telling you where boat traffic is restricted…information such as hazards or rocks, that’s a danger to boating.

That’s Alfonso Campos, the Assistant Chief of Marine Enforcement for Texas Parks and Wildlife. Buoys can also help keep you steering in the right direction…or on the right channel.

The main thing to remember is red right returning…that simply means that when you’re returning you keep the red buoy on your right and it will bring you inland.

And just because you leave your car in the garage…you can still get a ticket for not obeying these signs on the water.

If people failed to obey the laws a game warden or other marine safety officer may issue citations…and the penalties are quite stiff. They range anywhere from 25 to 500 dollars.

Boater safety classes will introduce you to the buoy system…to learn more, log on to our website, passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…we receive support from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program…reminding you that June 6th through 14th is National Fishing and Boating week…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.