Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July Weekend, Remember, Safety First

4th of July weekend means lots of people will be looking for some fun in the sun while hitting the lakes. Let's not ruin a perfectly good holiday weekend with a tragic event.

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The current drought conditions have water levels lower than usual, so now is a good time to remind you of water safety.

4th of July Weekend

The three-day weekend gives us all a chance to unwind and get outside for some fresh air or firing up the grill with friends and family, maybe even getting out of town for a quick getaway. Some will even take advantage of all the 4th of July sales happening everywhere you look. Whatever your plans are, doing it safely should be top of mind.

Hitting the lake for some boating is always fun, but current drought conditions may have made your favorite lake a bit more dangerous than usual.

Low Lake Water Levels

Cassy Hill, Natural Resource Specialist with the US Army Corps of Engineers, says local lake water levels are about 5 and a half feet lower than usual. Hill tells FOX44 News:

“Our water levels are five and a half feet low right now, so there’s a lot of obstacles that are popping up. And just drive safely. Drive at a slower speed and be aware of what’s lurking under the water.”

Lower water levels can present more hazards on the water.

It's the Law!

Keeping you safe on a boat is as easy as wearing a life-jacket, legally, anybody under the age of 13 is required to wear a life-jacket, and having a designated operator to drive your boat.

FOX44 News reports that Texas Game wardens arrested 42 people for BWI, Boating While Intoxicated, during last years Fourth of July weekend while also issuing more than 1,400 citations and more than 1,700 warning for boating safety law violations.

Hitting the lake and boating is definitely fun but not worth all the trouble you can find yourself in when you add alcohol to the mix.

Keep it safe this 4th of July weekend and if you need a review of the safety requirements and laws, click HERE.

By the way, if you want to keep on top of what's happening at our local lakes, tune in to our sister station KTEM-AM from 5-6PM Fridays for 'On the Dock'. Hosts Rick Smith and Billy Conway will update you on lake levels, and give you all the tips you need to get some good fishing in and help protect our local game and wildlife.

Chill Out This Summer at the 6 Best Swimming Holes in Texas

Feeling hot, hot, hot? Here are six of the best swimming holes in Texas to get your chill on and lower that core temperature.

Trips to Discover and The Crazy Tourist both list the following six places as the best places to cool off this summer in the great state of Texas. You'll want to keep this list handy as the mercury rises and the sweat starts to pour!

Blue Bell Ice Cream On The List of Top 15 Brands Nationwide

Blue Bell is the official ice cream of Texas, and my personal favorite. According to a new list of the 15 best brands of ice cream nationwide, Blue Bell was ranked in the middle.

In addition to ingredients, texture, and variety, Tasting Table used Influenster and other site reviews as part of its ranking process.

Scroll on to find out how Blue Bell compared to the number one ice cream, and how all 15 on the list were judged.