LCRA, Travis County Sheriff’s Office urge everyone to stay safe on the water this summer

Lake goers should understand hazards and wear life jackets when visiting Lake Travis

May 25, 2023

LAKE TRAVIS, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority and Travis County Sheriff’s Office are reminding visitors to Lake Travis to keep safety as their top priority while having fun on the water this summer.

Visitors to the lake should follow simple safety rules such as wearing a life jacket and watching out for hidden hazards.

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office reminds people Lake Travis is not a swimming pool and is more than 100 feet deep at some points.

“Our Lake Patrol Deputies enforce state laws and respond to calls for assistance, but they can’t be everywhere at all times, so it’s vital for lake patrons to do their part to stay safe on the water,” said Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez. “Follow the law, don’t drink and drive, and wear your life jacket.”

LCRA is now in the second year of its Be LakeWise water safety campaign, which recently won the 2023 Community Impact award from the National Safe Boating Council.  

“It really comes down to being aware of your surroundings,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “The lakes may look different with each visit, so keep an eye out for objects like trees and rocks below the water surface. The bottoms of the lakes are uneven and can have sudden drop-offs, and you could quickly find yourself in much deeper water than you anticipated.”

Hofmann said visitors should never swim or boat alone.

“Keep an eye on your buddies,” Hofmann said. “Watch out for one another in and around the water. It only takes a second for someone to find themselves in trouble.”

Boaters on Lake Travis should follow provisions in the Texas Water Safety Act and LCRA Land and Water Use Regulations and watch for buoys and markers that help identify dangerous areas and restricted zones.

For more safety tips, visit www.lcra.org/belakewise or view the Travis County Sheriff’s Office lake safety video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLy620ESggE.

About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations. For more information, visit lcra.org.

Media Contacts:
LCRA
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
[email protected]

Travis County Sheriff’s Office
Kristen Dark 512-854-4986
[email protected]