Texas Water Safety Laws Every Boater Should Know in 2025

Boating in Texas is a favorite pastime, but staying safe on the water requires following the latest regulations. Texas water safety laws are designed to protect boaters, swimmers, and marine life. Whether you’re new to boating or a seasoned captain, it’s important to stay up to date with the 2025 boating regulations.

1. Who Can Operate a Boat in Texas?

In Texas, there are specific age and certification requirements for operating a boat:

• Under 13 years old – Cannot operate a personal watercraft or motorboat over 15 horsepower unless accompanied by a licensed adult (18+).
• 13-17 years old – Must complete a Texas Boater Education Course and carry proof of certification while operating a boat.
• 18+ years old – No boater education is required, but it is highly recommended.

Boater education courses are available through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and can be taken online or in person.

2. Life Jacket Requirements in Texas

Wearing a life jacket can save lives. Texas law requires:

• Children under 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a boat under 26 feet in length.
• Every boat must have a life jacket for each passenger.
• Personal watercraft (PWC) operators must wear a life jacket at all times.
• Anyone being towed on skis, wakeboards, or tubes must wear a life jacket.

Ensure your life jackets are in good condition and fit properly before heading out.

3. Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) Laws

Texas has strict Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) laws similar to DUI laws:

• A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal while operating a boat.
• BWI penalties include fines up to $2,000, jail time, and loss of boating privileges.
• Increased patrols during holidays and weekends ensure boaters follow safety laws.

To stay safe, always have a designated boat operator if alcohol is involved.

4. Required Safety Equipment for Boats

Before setting sail, ensure your boat is stocked with required safety gear:

• Fire extinguisher (for motorized boats)
• Whistle or horn (for signaling in emergencies)
• Navigation lights (for boating after sunset)
• Throwable flotation device (for boats over 16 feet)
• Anchor and dock lines (to secure your boat properly)

For boaters with floating docks, having a secure and slip-resistant dock like those from EZ Dock Texas can add an extra layer of safety when launching or docking.

5. Speed Limits and No-Wake Zones

Texas enforces speed limits and no-wake zones to protect swimmers, docks, and other boats. Common regulations include:

• Idle speed only within 50 feet of other boats, docks, swimmers, or shorelines.
• No wake zones in harbors, marinas, and near boat ramps.
• Slow speeds in congested areas to prevent collisions and reduce wake impact.

Ignoring no-wake zones can result in fines and legal consequences.

6. Texas Boating Registration and Titling

All motorized boats and sailboats over 14 feet must be registered with Texas Parks & Wildlife. Registration requirements:

• New boats must be registered within 20 days of purchase.
• Registrations must be renewed every two years.
• Boat numbers must be clearly displayed on the hull.

Failure to register your boat can lead to fines and restrictions.

7. Emergency Procedures and Accident Reporting

If involved in a boating accident, Texas law requires:

• Immediate aid to anyone injured or in danger.
• Reporting accidents to TPWD if:
  • There is property damage over $2,000.
  • There is an injury requiring medical attention.
  • There is a fatality or disappearance.

Boaters should also carry an emergency plan, including a way to contact help in case of an emergency.

8. Nighttime Boating Rules

Boating at night requires extra caution and proper lighting:

• Red and green navigation lights must be displayed while moving.
• White anchor lights must be visible when stopped at night.
• No excessive speeds after dark to prevent accidents.

Proper dock lighting enhances safety when returning after sunset. EZ Dock Texas offers high-quality lighting solutions to keep docks and surrounding areas well-lit at night.

9. Protecting Texas Waterways

Texas enforces clean water laws to protect lakes and coastal waters:

• No littering – Trash and fishing lines must be disposed of properly.
• No dumping fuel or chemicals into the water.
• Invasive species prevention – Boats must be cleaned to prevent zebra mussels and other harmful species from spreading.

Stay Safe and Compliant on Texas Waters!

Understanding and following Texas boating laws will keep you and others safe while enjoying the water. Whether you’re fishing, cruising, or relaxing on your dock, always prioritize safety and compliance.

Need a safer, more convenient docking solution? EZ Dock Texas provides high-quality floating docks designed for stability and easy access. Contact us today or follow us on Facebook for more boating tips!