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May 23, 2009 9:44 pm US/Central
Wardens Trying To Keep Lakes Safe This Weekend
Selena Hernandez
GRAPEVINE (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Memorial Day weekend has already turned deadly on one North Texas lake. A 22 year old man drowned Saturday morning, in Fort Worth's Lake Como.
What started off as a simple swim ended in tragedy as the man drowned in the murkey waters of the lake.
"After a short period of time, he apparently had some trouble, went down and didn't come back up," Lieutenant Kent Worley of the Fort Worth Fire Department said.
It's an unfortunate tragedy Texas State Game Wardens want to prevent from happening again this holiday weekend.
Wardens are making sure boaters are following the rules of safety. They're making stops and checking for ample life jackets for all onboard.
"All the wake from the big boats is what makes these lakes dangerous, people aren't expecting it if they're not swimming without a life jacket" says Game Warden David Solis
Wardens are also keeping tabs on those using water crafts like jet-skies or water skies. Anyone who uses one must use a life jacket, no exceptions
Boaters like Cristian Hinojosa agree, "It's not just about following the law – it's about using common sense and saving your life sometimes."
He says water sports come with water safety. "People just start having a good time and stop thinking about what they need to do"
Game Warden Solis says what people need to do is to pay attention to their surroundings and not think of the lake as a pool. And always be aware of the dangers that could lurk below.
"A lot of these have sandbars they're walking out on; they'll fall off the sandbar so they're dropping from about 5 feet to 20 feet."
Wardens say the worst mistake swimmers make is over-estimating their strength. They say you should be realistic about your skills and be knowledgeable about the lake waters.
"You're going to have to survive and try not to drown."
This is also a No Refusal weekend on many North Texas lakes, meaning wardens are cracking down on suspected drunk boaters. Anyone who is pulled over and refuses to take a breathalyzer, and then they'll have their blood drawn.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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