Texas Game Wardens rescued a 5-year-old girl near Laredo over the Memorial Day weekend.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the child was blown away from shore by 30 mph winds on Falcon International Reservoir while in an inflatable tube. She had no life jacket on.
Her relatives requested assistance, and wardens were able to locate her before the tube flipped over. Authorities said she was reunited with her family, who were educated on the value of flotation equipment.
According to TPWD, game wardens increased their patrols during the holiday weekend.
Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD law enforcement director, stated that Memorial Day weekend “was a good example of the depth of their commitment to public safety, responding in severe weather, major fire incidents, and high-risk law enforcement situations.” Over the weekend, the wardens reported:
- 10,897 vessel checks
- 1,374 citations issued
- 1,951 warnings issued
- 53 boating while intoxicated charges filed–the highest in the past five years
- Seven driving while intoxicated charges filed
- 21 other arrests
They also responded to six boating mishaps or wrecks in Texas, one of which proved fatal.
“When alcohol, crowded waterways and severe weather are in the mix, the risk of incidents can rise fast,” says Cody Jones, TPWD assistant commander for marine enforcement. “We can’t be everywhere at once, so we need the public to meet us halfway by boating responsibly. We are thankful for everyone who did over the holiday weekend.”
As summer begins, this story serves as a reminder. According to TPWD, always use a life jacket, avoid utilizing inflatable toys in windy situations, and keep children within arm’s reach while out on the water.
