Here are 10 most popular boating locations in Texas and rules to follow

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman
·2 min read

As the weather gets warmer, it could be a good time to rent a boat and enjoy the water.

According to Get My Boat, Texas has several hot spots for boating.

Thinking about getting on a boat soon? Here are 10 locations ranked by Get My Boat:

10 most popular boating locations in Texas

  1. Austin

  2. Canyon Lake

  3. Lewisville

  4. Lake Conroe

  5. Galveston

  6. Little Elm

  7. Rockwall

  8. Hickory Creek

  9. Grand Prairie

  10. Grapevine

Do you need a license to drive a boat in Texas?

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must complete boater education training. While it’s not required for those born before that date, it’s recommended to take the training. Completion of this training allows a user to operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.

What are the Texas boating violations?

Texas Parks and Wildlife states that a person guilty of one of the following violations shall be required to successfully complete an approved boater education course and pay a fine.

Those violations are:

  • Any personal watercraft (operating) violation

  • Reckless or negligent operation

  • Excessive speed

  • Reckless operation and excessive speed

  • Hazardous wake or wash

  • Circular course around any swimmer or occupant of a vessel engaged in water activities

  • Interference with markers or ramps

  • Obstructing passage

  • Operating boats in restricted areas

  • Operating vessels in scuba diving or snorkeling areas

  • Skiing during illegal hours

  • Skiing in a manner that endangers life or property

What boating safety equipment is required?

A game warden or marine safety enforcement officers can pull your boat over to see if your boat is in compliance. If you don’t have the required safety equipment, you could get a stiff fine.

In the boat, you must have:

Can you have alcohol on the boat?

Open container law does not apply to the passenger area for motorized boating like it does in a vehicle. However, Texas penal code §49.06 mentions that a person who operates a motorized boat while intoxicated has committed an offense.

Can my driver's license be suspended if I'm arrested for operating a boat while intoxicated?

A person's driver's license will be automatically suspended if the arrested person operates a watercraft powered with an engine having a manufacturer's rating of 50 horsepower or above, according to TPWD.

Refusal to provide a breath or blood test can also lead to suspension.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 10 most popular cities for boating in Texas: Report