Posted: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 10:07 PM - 12,942 Readers

By: Staff Reports

July 4 ban on small watercraft

The use of personal watercrafts, wet bikes, motorized surfboards and similar devices will be prohibited on Lake Austin on July Fourth, officials said. The annual ban of personal watercraft is necessary to ensure the safety of the large number of people who use the lake and parks over the holiday, Austin police said.

The ban will begin at sunset Saturday and end at sunrise on Monday.

Police, including officers from the Lake Patrol Unit, will be at the lake this weekend to urge people to follow the Texas Water Safety Act and City of Austin boating laws and ordinances. Police urge all boaters to practice safe boating and to call 911 to report the reckless operation of boats and emergencies.