How to stay safe this Memorial Day while enjoying North Texas’ lakes and waterways

North Texas is home to lakes and waterways that can offer respite from the hot summer sun. But as people partake in activities like swimming and boating, Texas officials urge smart water safety.

In 2024, drownings were reported in bodies of water across the region — at White Rock Creek, Benbrook Lake, the Trinity River, Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Ray Roberts and at least five people in Lewisville Lake.

Public safety officials stress that there are ways to stay safer in the water. “We ask that everyone please wear a life jacket when entering any body of water, especially our area lakes,” the city of Grapevine said after a boater disappeared.

Here are six practices the Texas Parks and Wildlife department recommends in order to stay safe when swimming outdoors and participating in other water activities:

Wear a life jacket

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 86% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends always wearing a life jacket when boating on open water. It’s also a state law for children under the age of 13. Adults must have one that is easily accessible on recreational vessels less than 26 feet long.

Swim only in designated areas

Swimming is permitted at select locations in Lake Lewisville, Grapevine Lake and Lake Ray Hubbard, for example. However, swimming in White Rock and Bachman lakes is prohibited.

According to Dallas’ park department, the prohibition is for safety reasons. Both lakes collect a lot of storm debris because of their low watersheds. Additionally, both have contained harmful bacteria in the past.

Never swim alone

Even experienced swimmers can get tired or experience muscle cramps.

Supervise children closely

According to the state’s Parks and Wildlife Department, drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children. Children should always wear life jackets in rivers and lakes.

“It only takes a moment for a child to slip below the surface,” the department says.

Avoid alcohol

Operating a watercraft while intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, punishable by a minimum of 72 hours in jail. It also increases the chance of an accident on the water. According to the Parks and Wildlife Department, the probability of being killed in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved.

The department also discourages alcohol consumption while swimming and encourages staying hydrated.

Be aware of your surroundings

Tree limbs, rocks and other debris can be hidden beneath the surface of outdoor waterways, posing a risk to unexpecting swimmers and boaters.