Along with boating inspections and water rules, some other ways to stay safe involve educating oneself of the larger dangers on the water.

These generally involve risky boater behavior, such as failing to wear a life jacket or having an inadequate number of life jackets for passengers. Alcohol use while boating also can be problematic.

Being under the influence can adversely affect boaters’ reaction times and decision-making abilities. According to the 2018 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics Report, alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2018, accounting for 100 deaths (19 percent) of total fatalities.

Curbing alcohol use while boating can help avoid accidents and deaths.

Excessive speeds also can derail nice days on the water.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says that, although there are no numerical speed limits on the water, excessive speed can cause accidents in crowded areas.

Speeding makes it difficult to react to obstacles - including underwater wildlife - and bring the boat to a stop within a safe distance of others.

Boating season is heating up, and that means making safety a big part of operating and enjoying a vessel.