Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

06—We changed some of the wording so that those of you that do paddle craft or paddle boards, have to have a life jacket on board.

That’s a new requirement included in a new mandatory boater education law…which everyone thought would take effect September 1.

04—The legislation, when it was signed by the governor, was enacted immediately.

So head’s up. Tim Spice manages the boater education program for Parks and Wildlife. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must take boater education, but Game wardens won’t be writing citations for violators right away.

20—Well, right now the game wardens are doing an education process since it is a new law, and they’ll do that for quite a few months just so people who don’t know the law has taken effect have a chance to learn about that. But after that, some of these are like misdemeanors like a traffic ticket. You have to go before a judge and adjudicate the process. And all the fees are different depending on the level of safety violation.

Texas’ state-approved boater education course is available online, or in a one-day class. Find information on the TPW website. Supporters of the law say it will save lives and make crowded waters safer. And one more word on life jackets.

11—Life jackets today are stylish, form fitting; there are some inflatable’s that don’t take up any space—it looks like you’re wearing a fanny pack. So, I’d like to tell people there is no reason not to wear a life jacket when you’re on the water.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Safety on the Water: The Rules Have Changed Play Now | Play in Popup | Download