Posted: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:46 PM - 13,118 Readers

By: Steve Alberts

A boating accident on Lake Travis overnight Monday serves as a warning for boaters -- beware of hazards caused by extremely low lake levels.

On Lake Travis, water levels continue to drop.

For seven years, Travis County Sheriff's Department Amber Moore, has patrolled Lake Travis. She said most boating accidents occur because people are unfamiliar with the changing lake levels.

"If you see the color coming out of that peninsula, that is actually land underneath the water," she said.

Lake Travis is already about 35 feet below normal for this time of year. Islands that are normally submerged are popping up, causing a problem for boaters.

"This would be submerged in water and absolutely safe to travel in -- but for this unfortunate boat operator it was not,” Moore said.

Chris Arnold and Christine Ann were aboard a 22-foot power boat on the lake Monday night. Shortly after midnight, they were traveling near Hudson Bend, near Carlos’ and Charlie’s restaurant, when their boat ran aground on a slice of lake bottom exposed by the drought.

Hours after the accident, the boat was still stuck on the island. There were a few scratches visible to the haul.

The couple was stranded there for about an hour before help arrived. At least five public safety agencies looked for them in the darkness.

Chris Arnold suffered minor back and ankle injuries. Christine Ann was not hurt. They were unavailable for comment.

Islands aren't the only hazards boaters need to be alert for. Most islands have exposed tree stumps.

"It's your responsibility as a boat operator to know where these hazards are at," said Moore.

Moore says boaters should try to follow the center mile marker and stay away from the shore. The LCRA monitors and marks hazards as they appear.