Safety is always a top priority for Oncor employees, but it's just as important when you and your family are out on area lakes and rivers. National Safe Boating Week is May 21-27 and is a reminder to brush up on boating safety skills.

Oncor also has a new, three-year partnership with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) that's focused on boating safety around power lines that cross over Texas lakes.

Before you hit the water this Memorial Day weekend, or at any time, be sure to have life jackets on board for all passengers. Life jackets are required by law in all 50 states.

Here are also a few tips from the National Safe Boating Council:

• Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.
• Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
• Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.
• Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.
• Use an engine cut-off device – it's the law. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is proven to stop a boat engine if the operator falls overboard.
• Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and continue to frequently check during the excursion.
• Know what's going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of reported boating accidents in 2019 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
• Know where you're going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area and local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.
• Never boat under the influence. A DUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
• Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones and cellphones can all be important devices in an emergency.

Oncor is working with TPWD to include power line and electric safety information in the agency's most widely distributed boating safety booklets and documents. TPWD will also include the same safety information in 400,000 boat registration renewal packets.

Oncor and TPWD will also update electric safety signage at 40 boat ramps and marinas across north Texas this year, with plans to update even more signs in 2023-24.

The new 30-second musical PSA revisits Buck, the Oncor Bucket Truck, from our award-winning Super Safe Kids electric safety program. This time, our friendly cartoon truck spots a sailboat heading dangerously close to a power line.

Buck saves the day and reminds our boating family that you “need to look around when you're out on the lake." Click here to watch the new video.​