Water Level
|
632.69 ft
updated 6:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Boater dies after hitting Lake Travis shoreline
Posted: Tue, 1 Aug 2017 10:18 PM - 15,180 Readers
By: Andy Jechow and Jacqulyn Powell
A man who died in boating accident on Lake Travis Sunday night did not see the shoreline, Texas Parks and Wildlife confirms. A spokesperson says the boater hit the shore at around 9:45 p.m. near Hurst Creek and was injured. He was then taken to a local hospital where he died. Texas Parks and Wildlife says no alcohol was involved. According to the man’s best friend, who says he was driving a boat in front of the victim at the time of the crash, he hit a rock peninsula that was sticking out of the water. “There’s no gradual warning that something’s changing there,” said the friend, who did not want to be identified until the victim’s name is officially released. “It’s just a rock wall that comes straight out of the bottom.” The friend says he and the victim and their families went out on the lake regularly and were familiar with the area. He says generally when the water level is up, the rock wouldn’t be jutting out as far as it is. He says they were staying close to the shore to avoid a sandbar on the other side of the lake. “It wasn’t recklessness, it wasn’t negligence, we weren’t flying. We were doing the same thing we’ve done many times before,” said the friend, who also explained they were both going around 20 mph. He says when the victim’s boat hit the rock, his chest went into the steering wheel, tearing his aorta. Two other people on the boat, the man’s wife and the friend’s 4-year-old daughter, only had minor wounds. The victim’s friend says he feels the crash could’ve been prevented if the spot would have been marked with buoys like some other areas in the lake. “If we do it for a sandbar, why not a rock abutment that’s in the water?” he asked. “To put out two, three flashing buoys in that area, you know with a hazard, that’s all you need.” A spokesperson for the LCRA said in general, the organization marks historical hazards and the deep-water channel with solar-powered hazard buoys. While the LCRA has not recently lowered the lake’s water levels, levels tend to fall during the summer because of evaporation and increased water usage. Records show the water in Lake Travis was sitting at 673.47 feet above sea level on Sunday. The victim’s friend said he hopes the LCRA will place buoys around the rock peninsula, to avoid anyone else having to deal with what he and the man’s family are going through. He describes his friend as a one-of-a-kind person, who was extraordinarily generous. “He was an amazing man,” he said. “I could never do justice to the kind of person he was…. We just love him, and I know he’s going to be incredibly missed.”
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,706 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,395 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,333 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,491 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,491 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,857 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,637 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,877 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,622 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,158 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,763 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,766 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,297 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,191 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
32,009 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,716 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,982 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,551 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,778 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,470 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
15,005 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,678 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,989 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,462 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,487 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,754 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,505 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,694 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,180 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,433 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,533 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
27,083 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,480 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,757 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,372 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
36,052 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,122 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,495 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,874 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,773 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,766 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,808 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,362 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
27,031 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,782 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,497 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,320 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,591 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,907 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,510 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,320 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,179 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,448 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,888 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,528 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,748 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,693 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,880 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,799 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,610 Readers |
News Archives 2017 - Select a Month
|