Posted: Wed, 1 Jun 2016 08:42 PM - 8,358 Readers

By: Erin Cargile

Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin are still off limits to people and anything that floats: boats, kayaks canoes and paddle boards.

The watercraft ban is set to expire at noon Friday, June 3. Additionally, severe weather has led to the Austin Parks and Recreation Dept. closing the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Austin police paroling the lakes on Tuesday said they had a feeling the watercraft ban would be extended with the recent heavy rains. It’s prompting ongoing floodgate operations at various dams, which creates a strong, dangerous current.

Anyone who ignores the ban will likely meet Austin Police Officer John O’Donnell, Jr., who is on lake patrol.

“The water is literally moving 20 miles an hour, which it doesn’t look that fast when you’re looking at it, but it does crazy things. It’s very deceiving,” said O’Donnell. “The water looks nice. It may look calm on the surface, but as soon as you enter the water it’s going to immediately take you downstream.”

The fast-moving water carries debris that can be hidden just under the surface like logs, trash and tree branches. When the ban is lifted boaters need to beware.

“You probably don’t want to be operating at full speed or pulling any tubers, wake boards or skiers behind the boat at first because all that debris that’s in the water needs to have time to settle.”

Officer O’Donnell said he and his officers have only had to tell one group to get off the water. Lake patrol officers start out nice with just a warning. Their number one goal is to help get people to a safe spot, but they can write tickets.