LCRA urges visitors to ‘Be LakeWise’ and play it safe on the lakes
Swim safely, boat responsibly this summer
June 30, 2022
BURNET AND LLANO COUNTIES, Texas – As the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, the Lower Colorado River Authority is reminding visitors to the Highland Lakes to keep safety top of mind while having fun on the water this summer. Through its Be LakeWise water safety campaign, LCRA is encouraging safe practices such as wearing a life jacket, watching out for hidden hazards, and never swimming or boating alone. “Lakes aren’t swimming pools,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “The bottom of the lakes can be uneven and sudden drop-offs are common. You can be walking in 2 feet of water, and then find yourself in 10 feet of water in just a step or two. That’s just one example of why wearing a life jacket is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of drowning.”LCRA is promoting lake safety on social media and on www.lcra.org, as well as through public service announcements and fun giveaways. LCRA has given Be LakeWise koozies, floating keychains and other promotional items to many area marinas and watercraft rental companies to help raise awareness with the public. Members of the public also can answer lake safety questions for a chance to win a Yeti cooler by participating in an online contest on LCRA social media (@lcra on Twitter and @lowercoloradoriverauthority on Facebook).“So many problems on the lake are preventable if people are prepared and understand safe practices before getting into the water,” Hofmann said. “Never swim alone, and stick to swimming in designated, no-boating areas.”It’s also critically important to keep an eye on everyone in your party.“It only takes a second for someone to find themselves in trouble in the water,” Hofmann said. “People sometimes think drowning is a loud event, but actually the struggle is underwater, and often someone just disappears from view.”LCRA also encourages boaters to keep a close eye out for potential hazards such as rocks, trees and debris that could be just below the surface of the water. Buoys and markers help identify dangerous areas and restricted zones.“We want everyone to have a good time on the lakes,” Hofmann said. “Make safety your No. 1 priority. Have fun and Be LakeWise.’’For more information, visit www.lcra.org/belakewise.
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.
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