Beaumont water sports are a big part of summer recreation, and we love our local waterways. River and lake sports safety should be an integral part of your summer outdoor recreation plans. We’ve compiled some tips for you to remind us all of how to be safe while we engage in water sports.
Which are your favorite spots for river and lake sports here in Beaumont? Here is our short list:
- Neches River: Great for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The best access to the Neches River in Beaumont is Collier’s Ferry Park. Collier’s Ferry Park has much to offer including 4 public boat ramps and plenty of free parking for boats and trailers. Guided educational tours are available through Neches River Adventures along with canoe and kayak rentals and boating charters from local outfitters and guides.
- Village Creek: 10 miles north of Beaumont on the edge of the Big Thicket. Come to camp, canoe, or just enjoy the quiet – you’ll be glad you did! The park sits along Village Creek, one of the few free-flowing creeks in Texas. Here you can camp, picnic, fish, hike, mountain bike, swim, geocache, study nature and view wildlife.
- Event Centre Lake: A popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking. The lake adds ambiance to lakefront restaurants and an event venue. Keep an eye on the Downtown Event Centre calendar for upcoming events like free concerts, movie nights, food truck days and more!
These beautiful outdoor spaces provide a variety of water sports activities for outdoor enthusiasts. One thing we don’t like to see more of at Beaumont Emergency Hospital accidents and injuries. Here are some things you can do to stay safe while enjoying the water fun in the sun.
Beaumont Water Sports Safety Precautions
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when engaging in watersports activities, regardless of your swimming ability.
- Familiarize yourself with the lake’s layout, including any designated swimming areas, speed limits for boats, and potential hazards such as submerged objects or shallow areas.
- Stay aware of weather conditions and avoid watersports during thunderstorms or high winds, which can create dangerous waves and currents. An app like the Weather Channel with the location for Beaumont, TX, can keep you informed of sudden storms or wind advisories.
- Use appropriate safety equipment such as signal devices, whistles, and flotation devices when participating in kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, or other motorized water sports.
- Never operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs and ensure that all participants in watersports activities are sober and capable of making sound decisions.
High Traffic Boating Area Precautions
Busy areas such as public boat ramps are especially vulnerable to accidents and injuries. Each of the places you may find to launch your watercraft in Beaumont is easily accessible to Beaumont Emergency Hospital in the event of a medical emergency. You can find directions to our hospital using Google Maps from your location.
Medical Emergencies Resulting from Water Sports Accidents
- Drowning: Submersion in water leading to suffocation and potential death.
- Near drowning: Survival after a drowning episode, often leading to respiratory issues and possible brain damage.
- Traumatic Injuries: Including fractures, sprains, cuts, and bruises from collisions or falls.
- Hypothermia: Especially in colder water, leading to a dangerous drop in body temperature.
- Heat-related Illnesses: Such as heatstroke or heat exhaustion, particularly in hot climates.
- Electrocution: In water bodies near electric sources or from faulty equipment.
- Marine Life Injuries: Stingray stings, jellyfish stings, or encounters with other marine animals causing injuries or allergic reactions.
- Boating Accidents: Including collisions, capsizing, or injuries from boat propellers.
Proper safety measures and awareness can significantly reduce the risk of these emergencies during water sports activities.
Create an Emergency Action Plan
In the event of a boating or swimming accident on Beaumont waterways, follow these steps:
- Ensure Safety: Immediately move to a safe location and assess the situation for any immediate dangers.
- Call for Help: Contact emergency services by dialing 911 or using a marine radio to report the accident and provide your location.
- Assist Victims: If possible and safe to do so, provide first aid to any injured individuals while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
- Gather Information: Collect relevant information such as the names of those involved, witnesses, boat registration numbers, and any other details that may be helpful for authorities.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Follow instructions from emergency responders and provide accurate information about the accident to assist in their investigation.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment and documentation of injuries.
- Report the Accident: Notify the appropriate authorities, such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, about the accident as required by law.
Beaumont Water Safety / Emergency Contacts
The Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau has some great information for those living or visiting Beaumont waterways. You can find that information HERE.
Beaumont-specific emergency contacts can be found HERE or call 911
Texas Parks and Wildlife Information and Contacts:
Happy Summer Beaumont!
We hope you have a lovely and safe time out on the water. Enjoy the outdoors and contact Beaumont Emergency Hospital in case of emergencies. We’re here 24/7 every day, including holidays.
Works Cited
“River and Lakes Safety.” NSW National Parks, www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/water-activities/rivers-lakes-lagoons. Accessed 28 May 2024.
“Rec: Watersports First Aid.” Rescue Emergemcey Care, recfirstaid.net/course&course_id=14. Accessed 28 May 2024.