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In Collin County, Lavon Lake offers a nearby getaway with five beaches. It’s especially known for fishing.<\/p>\n
2021 File Photo\/Staff<\/p>\n
As North Texans gear up to celebrate <\/a>America\u2019s 250th birthday this Fourth of July weekend, Texas Game Wardens<\/a> are urging those looking to spend time out on one of D-FW\u2019s lakes to put safety first.\u00a0<\/p>\n Texas has reported at least 43 water fatalities this year as of July 2, according to data from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Of those fatalities, 18 were open water drownings, while the remaining 25 were boating-related deaths.<\/p>\n Related: What’s open, closed on July 4 in D-FW?<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n In 2025, Texas reported 108 water fatalities, including 58 open water drownings and 50 boating-related fatalities.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cody Jones, a Texas Game Warden assistant commander and boating law administrator, said game wardens responded to eight fatalities last weekend, along with at least five serious non-fatal incidents across the state.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s a \u201csad and sobering reminder,\u201d he said, of the risks of being out on the water this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, when it\u2019s your first time on the lake in a year, in some cases, the tragedy happens when you least expect it,\u201d Jones said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n A 15-year-old was among the fatalities<\/a> last weekend. The teenager attempted to help a five-year-old who was on an inflatable at Lake Jacksonville in East Texas that had drifted from shore.<\/p>\n Related: Dallas saw thousands of random gunshots last July 4. Officials don\u2019t want a repeat<\/a><\/p>\n A recent nonfatal incident included the rescue of a man who was stranded on a lake holding onto his kayak, Jones said.\u00a0<\/p>\n As summer continues heating up and North Texans visit area lakes, here\u2019s how you can stay safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n Check the weather forecast<\/p>\n Jones said before heading out to the lake, check the weather and ensure it is safe to be on the water.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cAs we roll into the Fourth of July, it\u2019s not lost on us that just one year ago, we had severe weather flooding,\u201d Jones said. As weather can change quickly in Texas, Jones encourages lakegoers to be cautious, even if the weather looks clear.<\/p>\n \u201cTexas is known for pop-up thunderstorms that come up very quickly,\u201d Jones said. \u201cBoats get flunked or capsized because the parties on them don\u2019t take the steps to get back to shore, to some place of safety, prior to a storm coming up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: A year after July 4 flooding, D-FW responders say they left parts of their hearts, souls in Hill Country<\/a><\/p>\n Wear a life jacket\u00a0<\/p>\n Jones said they encourage everyone to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, even when swimming.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cA life jacket will save your life, but it takes you wearing it and using it,\u201d Jones said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Jones said this also includes individuals who may jump in after someone who is suspected of drowning.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou might be an excellent swimmer, but in most cases, open water is very unforgiving,\u201d Jones said. \u201cAll it takes is a level of exhaustion [or] a cramp.\u201d<\/p>\n Assign a water watcher<\/p>\n All swimmers, including children, teenagers and adults, should have somebody watching the water and making sure everyone is staying safe, Jones said.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Related: How to prevent child drownings during peak swimming season<\/a><\/p>\n Avoid alcohol and drugs\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Jones said the Texas Game Wardens typically see an increase in boating while intoxicated incidents and arrests in June and July. He said lakegoers should keep in mind that BWIs have the same penalty as driving while intoxicated.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n