DALLAS (April 12, 2009)--Thirteen people already have lost their lives in Texas boating accidents this year, one more than had died at this point a year ago.

A Texas Parks & Wildlife Department official, Major Alfonso Campos, says the state is off to a "grim start" this boating season, in part because of strong winds.

Officials are concerned about the increase in deaths, especially as summer is yet to arrive.

Separate boating accidents on Dallas-area lakes led to the deaths this week of an 18-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman.

In both instances, boats were overturned in high winds.

The wind also may have played a role in the death of a 54-year-old man whose sailboat was grounded last month on Lake Lewisville, considered one of the state's most dangerous lakes.

Sixty-one people died on Texas waterways last year, equaling the most this decade.