Your guide to water safety on the Highland Lakes and lower Colorado River
The lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes offer some of Texas’s best swimming, boating and recreation. They also come with real risks that catch people off guard every season. LCRA’s Conquer the Colorado program gives swimmers, boaters and families the practical knowledge they need to enjoy Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Austin and the other Highland Lakes confidently.
Watch out for hidden hazards.
Submerged trees, drop-offs and strong currents aren’t always visible.
Come with a game plan.
Know your swim zones, wear your life jacket and designate a sober boat operator.
Have each other’s backs.
Drowning is silent and fast. Keep an eye on your group and be prepared to respond.
Recognize the signs of someone in trouble.
Provide flotation.
Rescue and remove the person from the water without putting yourself in danger.
Provide emergency care and seek medical services, if needed.
Swim safely
- Never swim alone.
- Wear a life jacket. Find the U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that works for you. The best one is the one you’ll actually wear.
- Know your swim zones. LCRA regulations prohibit swimming within 50 feet of any public boat ramp on the Highland Lakes.
- Know what’s below the surface. Sudden drop-offs, submerged trees and debris are common. If you can’t see the bottom, be cautious.
- Avoid murky or scummy water. Areas with algae mats tend to have higher levels of bacteria.
- Know the 5 signs of drowning
- Facing shore
- Mouth at water level
- Head tilted back
- Body vertical
- Climbing ladder motion
Boat responsibly
- Never boat alone.
- Designate a sober boat operator before you leave the dock.
- Wear a life jacket. Find the U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that works for you.
- Know the rules, before you visit the lake. Get familiar with the Texas Water Safety Act and LCRA Land and Water Use Regulations.
Check the status of your favorite boat ramps on the Highland Lakes and lakes Bastrop and Fayette.
Buoys and markers
Buoys and markers are water traffic signs offering direction and information. They also help identify dangerous areas and restricted zones.
Mile or channel markers are installed on the main channel of the Colorado River on lakes Buchanan, LBJ and Travis. The river channel is not marked on other Highland Lakes. Mile or channel markers are sequentially numbered starting at the dam and are spaced about a mile apart.
Controlled area
No fishing, no anchoring. There may be water-skiers. Slow down so as to not create a wake.
Boaters keep out!
Written description of danger may be displayed outside the crossed diamond, e.g., dam, water intake, swim area or rapids.
Danger!
Written description of danger may be displayed outside the diamond shape, e.g., rocks, stumps, hazards or shallow areas.
Green “can”-shaped buoy
Facing upstream, these green buoys are on the left of the channel. They have odd numbers and may have a green light on top.
Red “nun’s cap”-shaped buoy
Facing upstream, these buoys are on the right of the channel. They have even numbers and may have a red light on top.
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