No-Refusal Weekend Also Hits the Water

Game wardens are increasing patrols on Texas waterways for the holiday weekend, looking for drunken boaters.

Authorities are implementing a "no-refusal" policy, requiring people to either agree to a Breathalyzer test or be arrested and take a judge-ordered blood test. Judges will be on site to approve blood draws.

Most boaters said they welcome the effort.

"I think it's a great idea," Britney Mueller said. "Everybody wants to have a great time for the Fourth. Increased patrols is a probably a good idea; everybody wants to be safe."

Twenty boaters have died in Texas this year, down from the 36 deaths at this time last year. A total of 61 boaters died on Texas waterways last year.

Contact Us