New Signs Warn Of Growing Danger On Texas Waterways

Anglers might notice new signs at some boat ramps in the Galveston-Houston area.

They are from the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee in the Houston- Galveston area and involve the large wakes caused by large ships in Texas channels and bay systems. We reported on plans for the group to distribute them a few months back.

Now they are in place.

David Clark is the Recreational Boater Safety Representative for that group.

He is also Chairman of a Working Group that was formed in early 2021 to increase recreational boater awareness of the waves generated by ships transiting the Houston Ship Channel.

“This group was requested by the US Coast Guard following some drowning deaths in 2020 that could have possibly been attributed to the waves,” he said.

The signs are at key boat ramps in the area and 5”x7” cards of the the sign graphic are being displayed, along with other boating safety literature, at bait shops, marinas, fishing tackle stores, etc., in the area.

To listen to firsthand accounts of giant waves-including 10 plus footers listen to this episode of the Dark Outdoors podcast.

The signs have a QR code that directs people to the Recreational Boater Resources area of the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee’s website to learn more about staying safe when encountering big ship wakes and fishing/boating in high traffic areas.

 

Anglers should be aware of their surroundings and know according to reports we gathered these waves are often silent and strike when you would least expect.