It was a nice day around Galveston Island today, so the family and I decided to go for a boat ride. Near the end of our little 80 mile journey we were approaching the Galveston Yacht Basin when a boat from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department approached us with lights flashing. We both slowed and moved toward each other. All three of us in the boat were wearing our life jackets. (Everyone always wears lifejackets in my boat - no exceptions ever.) She noticed that, asked if we were just out cruising around (which we were - no fishing today) and then bid us a pleasant farewell. The whole thing took less than 60 seconds before we were both crusing back down the channel. It was the first time I had ever been stopped. Real friendly, real nice, and real fast.
Unfortunately, about 15 minutes later in a remote part of the bay we passed a boat that looked to me like it was overloaded. (About a 19' bowrider with around 8 people on board.) My wife noticed it and pointed it out, and we didn't see anyone wearing a life jacket. I really appreciate the work that TPWD does, but they can't be everywhere at once. Ultimately it's up to every boater to do their best to ensure they will make it safely back to the dock. Even with good planning, good equipment and good weather, something can still happen.
