Posted: Thu, 3 Jun 2010 08:58 PM - 8,516 Readers

By: News 8 Austin

Lake Travis is back. At 26 feet higher than it was one year ago, it's about 50 feet higher than its lowest point last year.

It’s pretty safe to say between that, the heat, the sun and the fact that it's Memorial Day weekend, it’ll be busy out there the next few days.

Some boaters have been waiting a while to get back on the lake.

"It’s a 1987 C-RAY 340. It's 34-feet long. It’s got two Merck 454 engines in it. It's just a cruiser," boater Steve Hiser said.

He brought it in from Texoma, and he plans to get a lot of use out of it this summer.

"Every weekend maybe, and even some during the week, I think," Hiser said.

Hiser and his friends learned an important lesson last year about getting the most out of a boat - even in a drought. He’s picked his dock carefully based on that.

"Volente doesn't have much problems. It's a very deep dock, so even when it drops, they don’t have to let it out too far," Hiser said.

Businesses are also relying on lake traffic this weekend.

“We've got all of our staff expected to be out here all day every day,” Johnny Fins Manager Chip Van Nostrand said.

A far cry from last year, especially for places like Johnny Fins that literally needs water to stay afloat. When the lake was low, they were closed.

A far cry from last year, especially for places like Johnny Fins that literally needs water to stay afloat. When the lake was low, they were closed.

“There was almost nine months of complete shut down, and that's significant when you talk about people’s jobs and the economy,” Van Nostrand said.

This weekend they’re expecting a different story.

“We expect a very positive impact towards the restaurant and the marina next door. First harbor is very busy. Boat rentals are doing really well, so everybody's very excited,” Van Nostrand said.

If you plan on heading out here this weekend, be extra cautious. The LCRA is urging people to slow down, don't drink and drive and have your life jackets either on or at least close at hand.

“Yeah, we'll be out all weekend assuming it doesn't get too bad, but it's a big lake so there's plenty of room for people,” boater Mike Calbert said.

Even though big plans are expected for this weekend, the Travis County Sheriff's office wants to remind all boaters to be safe while having fun.

"I’d hate to think that I'd have to remind them everything that their mom always told them, you know. Please no drinking and driving, wear your sunscreen and drink plenty of water. If you're going to operate your boat at night, make sure before nightfall that your lights are in proper working order," Travis County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Amber Moore said.