LCRA signs and fliers to educate public on protection against water illnesses, injuries

Media contact: Krista Umscheid, 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3365
LCRA media phone for after-hours emergencies: (512) 944-6719

LCRA's Jill Brackin installs a warning sign at South Shore Park on Lake Bastrop.

AUSTIN – LCRA is continuing efforts to educate visitors to area lakes on how to protect themselves against the risk of water-related illnesses and injuries.

LCRA is producing signs that provide safety tips and remind lake visitors of the risks associated with natural water recreation. The signs will be installed within the week in LCRA parks at public-access points to lakes Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis, Bastrop and Fayette.

LCRA also will provide fliers on water safety to lake-area businesses and communities for their use.The signs and fliers note that recreational activities in the Highland Lakes and other natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes and creeks poses risks, including drowning, boat accidents and illnesses from bacteria and amebae.

The signs and fliers include tips to minimize the risk of such illnesses and injuries, including:

Use nose clips or hold your nose when jumping or diving into water.
Use earplugs, goggles or masks to minimize risk of ear or eye infections.
Wash open skin cuts and scrapes with clean water and soap.
Wear a life jacket, especially if you can't swim, and put life jackets on children.
Don't dive into shallow water.
Always swim with a partner.

LCRA also has posted information on its Web site, "Safe swimming in lakes and rivers."

LCRA has issued such safety information for years in discussing recreational conditions with Highland Lakes visitors. Interest in the safety information has been heightened by the deaths of two Lake LBJ visitors from primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Although the ameba that causes the disease is common to almost all lakes, ponds, rivers creeks and other bodies of freshwater, the disease is very rare. It is usually associated with water that is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Infection is believed to occur when water containing the microorganism is forced into the nasal passages, usually when skiing or diving or jumping into the water. Texas Department of State Health Services, the authority on health issues in the state, has the primary responsibility for investigation of this illness. LCRA is working with the health department staff as the investigation continues.