As the nation takes to the lakes this Memorial Day weekend to kick off summer, boaters are reminded to brush up on their safety skills and make sure their water crafts are ready for the season.
National Safe Boating Week takes place the week prior to Memorial Day emphasizing safe boating practices such as wearing life jackets.
As the temperatures in Texas climbed to over 90 degrees this past weekend, there is expected to be a lot of lake activity across the state. In Montague County the two major recreational lakes will certainly be busy as both have been replenished with rainfall. Lake Amon G. Carter outside Bowie is topping 100% and Lake Nocona is 85% full.
Preston Kleinman, Montague County state game warden, said things look good at both lakes as the summer season begins. He encourages boaters to make sure they have all their required safety gear on the boat. That includes the following:

• Proper fitting life jacket for everyone on board;
• Type 4 throwable;
• Sound producing device such as a whistle;
• Fire extinguisher;
• Registration card;
• Kill switch lanyard if in your type of boat.
• Read the full story with updates on local lakes in the mid-week Bowie News.