Boating Accidents

Report an Accident

To report a boating accident, contact your local game warden, local law enforcement agency, or call TPWD at:

  • (800) 792-1112
  • (512) 389-4848 (24-hour dispatch)

Accidents and Casualties

Parks and Wildlife Code Section 31.105 requires operators of any vessel must report accidents and casualties to a local law enforcement agency or to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The report must be given within 30 days of the occurrence (48 hours if a fatality occurs) if the collision, accident or casualty resulted in:

  • death (or missing person); or
  • injury (requiring treatment beyond first aid) to any person; or
  • property damage exceeding $2,000.

The accident report should include a full description of the collision, accident, or casualty in accordance with regulations established by the department.

Recreational Boating Incident Statistics 2023 | PDF

Stop and Render Aid

Parks and Wildlife Code Section 31.104 requires the operator of any vessel involved in a boating accident must stop and render whatever assistance necessary unless such action would endanger his/her own vessel, crew or passengers. Assistance to other persons includes that which may be practicable and necessary to save them from or minimize any danger.

The operator of any vessel involved in a boating accident must give his/her name, address and vessel identification number in writing to any injured person and to the owner of any damaged property.

Failure to follow these Stop and Render Aid requirements in an accident that results in death or serious bodily injury is a Parks and Wildlife Code felony. Failure to follow these Stop and Render Aid requirements in an accident that does not result in death or serious bodily injury is a Parks and Wildlife Class A misdemeanor.