LAKE TEXOMA-- After a drowning in March, the Coast Guard decided it was time to step up safety awareness on Lake Texoma.
The main focus of that renewed effort was placed squarely on Commercial fishing Guides.

"Any vessel that carries passengers for hire has to meet higher standards than just your typical recreational boater,” said Commander
Rob Smith of the U-S Coast Guard. He says that enforcing federal regulations on fishing guides at Lake Texoma, will increase safety and decrease fatality accidents on the lake.

Fishing guide Dan Barnett agrees that safety should always be a Guide's first priority.

"I am doing this for a living, and one of the biggest parts of my job is keeping people as safe as they can be while having a good time,” said Barnett.

Barnett is one of several guides on the lake who are fully compliant with federal regulations, which include proper safety and first aid equipment, boat inspections, and a license from the Coast Guard.

Commander Smith says that right now, their priority is educating commercial fishing guides about the standards and how to get into compliance.

"There are more than 400 fishing guides on the lake, and what we want to do is make it clear to those owners what the standards are,” said Commander Smith.

Fines and penalties for fishing guides who don't follow federal regulations can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
But the Coast Guard says for now, they are working to make sure everyone knows the rules before fines are issued.

"We are basically offering to fishing guides the opportunity for a free survey of their boats, a no cause no blame, no penalty type of examination,” said Commander Smith.

Dan Barnett says he took the Coast Guard up on their offer and that all of his boats are compliant.
He says taking customers out to catch fish is just half of his job, the other half is bringing them safely back to shore.

"I am very proud of what I do, I have done it for a long time, and I have 6 guys that work with me, and we all agree that when you come up here you should have a smile on your face and no fear in your heart," said Barnett