Owning or renting a boat can create some of the fondest memories one could ever experience in their lifetime. However, it’s not without taking serious responsibility for yourself, your passengers, the vessel, and fellow boaters around you in the water.
Whether you’re operating your own boat, renting during a weekend getaway, or ripping it up on a jet ski, knowing the basics will help you avoid hefty fines and keep everyone safe on the lake all summer long.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) manages and enforces the boating laws on the Highland Lakes of Texas. To help you become more aware, we wanted to highlight some important things to keep in mind while navigating waters, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the moments that will last a lifetime.
1. Do You Need a Boating License in Texas?
A commonly asked question in the Texas boating world is “Do I need a boating license in Texas?” What most people don’t realize is that Texas actually requires boaters to obtain a Boater Education Certificate. As stated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must successfully complete an approved boater safety course before operating a personal watercraft, a motorboat that is powered with over 15 horsepower, or a sailboat longer than 14 feet.
Luckily, earning your certificate online is pretty simple nowadays and can be completed at your own pace, covering helpful topics like navigation rules, required safety equipment, emergency procedures, and all-important Texas boating laws.
2. Texas Boating Laws Regarding Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)
Operating a boat while intoxicated is just as illegal as operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Anyone operating a boat while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, can be charged with a boating version of a DUI, called a BWI.
For first-time offenders, penalties can include fines up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail, while cases involving a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher could result in increased fines and penalties. As a captain of a vessel, practicing responsible boating is the highest priority when out on the water. You owe it to your passengers, others on the water, and yourself.
3. When to Report a Boating Accident in Texas
Not every fender-bender out on the lake requires an official report, but Texas boating laws require boat operators to notify the TPWD if the accident results in:
- A death or missing person (must be reported within 48 hours)
- Injury requiring serious medical treatment
- Property damage that exceeds $2,000 (must be reported within 30 days)
Having a brief understanding of these requirements in emergency situations is vital to ensure that emergency responders, law enforcement, and insurance providers have the necessary information following the incident.
4. Life Vests for Boating and Texas Life Jacket Requirements
Photo Credit: National Safe Boating Council
In 2025, the TPWD recorded 42 fatalities in the state of Texas that were related to individuals who were not wearing life jackets. Wearing a life jacket is the easiest way to stay safe on the lake and avoid preventable emergencies.
Everyone riding or operating a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Also, any children under the age of 13 are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on vessels less than 26 feet in length, unless they’re below deck or are in an enclosed cabin.
When selecting a life jacket, remember to:
- Choose a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits your size and weight.
- Make sure it fits properly without riding up over your chin or face.
- Select a life jacket designed for your boating activity and water conditions.
- Outfit children with well-fitted child-sized life jackets. Never buy one they’ll “grow into.”
- Remember that inflatable life jackets are not permitted for PWC operators, anyone under 16, or participants in towed watersports such as tubing, wakeboarding, or water skiing.
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets will have this label below, and are approved for use in the U.S. and Canada:
Photo Credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD)
5. Texas Boating Safety Essentials
To avoid any last-minute emergencies, it’s always best practice to run through a quick safety checklist before heading out. Required safety equipment in Texas varies by vessel, so it’s important to check the specific safety requirements for your boat before starting your day.
Regardless of your type of vessel, here are a few things you should run through before your lake day begins:
- A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every passenger
- Throwable flotation device
- Fire extinguisher
- A horn or whistle
- Properly functioning navigation lights
- First-Aid kit
- Anchor and line
- A fully-charged cell phone or VHF marine radio
- Water and sunscreen
- Boat registration documents and any necessary boater education certificates
Launch With Confidence at VIP Marina
Now, I know what you may be thinking: “Whoa, this is a lot of information.” You’re not wrong, but as a boater on Lake Travis and on any lake in beautiful Texas, safety is always the first priority. If you have any questions or concerns, give VIP Marina Lake Travis a call at 512-331-5375 or contact us here. We’re happy to help.