Yuck.  Did you know that Texas leads the nation in boating accidents so far this year?  That is quite embarrassing considering we only have one natural lake in the whole state!  Ouch!  We have to change this.

Here are some statistics compiled by the US Coast Guard:

• 710 fatalities - 3,474 injuries - nearly $44 million in property damage due to boating accidents.
• 90 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
• Alcohol was the leading contributing factor in approximately one-fifth of all boating fatalities.
• About 70 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

So, where do we start?  For one, please visit this web-site:  Boating Safety Web-site for the U.S. Coast Guard

Then, follow these simple, seemingly obvious, rules for an accident free summer:

1. 1. ALWAYS wear a life vest!  Come on folks, which is more important, looking cool in your bathing suit or being alive?!?
2. 2. NEVER boat under the influence.  HELLO!?!?  You think DUI is dangerous?  Throw the drunk in the water and see what happens.
3. 3. Take a boating safety course.  You took driver's ed, right?

Sorry to be cynical.  I just cringe every time I hear of a darling person dying on our area lakes in a preventable accident.  Let's loose this title before we loose more lives!  Come on Texas!   This is one title we WANT to give up!

Sara K. Braden- Villas, Garden, & Single Family Homes from $130's