Texas Game Wardens rescued a 5-year-old girl on Falcon Lake after high winds carried her away in an inflatable tube.
HOUSTON — Texas Game Wardens rescued a 5-year-old girl near Laredo over Memorial Day weekend.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said the child was being blown away from shore by 30 mph winds on Falcon International Reservoir in an inflatable tube. She had no life jacket on.
Her family flagged down help, and wardens were able to reach her before the tube flipped over. Authorities say she was reunited with her family, who received education on the importance of flotation devices.
TPWD says the game wardens ramped up their patrols because of the holiday weekend.
Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD law enforcement director says Memorial Day weekend “was a good example of the depth of their commitment to public safety, responding in severe weather, major fire incidents and high-risk law enforcement situations.” Over the weekend the wardens reported:
- 10,897 vessel checks
- 1,374 citations issued
- 1,951 warnings issued
- 53 boating while intoxicated charges filed–the highest in the past five years
- Seven driving while intoxicated charges filed
- 21 other arrests
They also responded to six boating incidents or collisions across Texas, one of which was fatal.
“When alcohol, crowded waterways and severe weather are in the mix, the risk of incidents can rise fast,” says Cody Jones, TPWD assistant commander for marine enforcement. “We can’t be everywhere at once, so we need the public to meet us halfway by boating responsibly. We are thankful for everyone who did over the holiday weekend.”
As summer begins, this story brings up some helpful reminders. Always wear a lifejacket, avoid using inflatable toys in windy conditions, and keep children in arms reach while on the water, according to TPWD.