What a difference a year makes. Drought-stricken summers of the past are forgotten as improved lake levels are ready to welcome the onslaught of boaters and swimmers for this Labor Day weekend, traditionally the last, big water weekend of the season.

Drought years hurt lake businesses, made boating more treacherous and frustrated swimmers who couldn't access their favorite coves.

Not this year.

On Lake Travis, business owners said 2010 has been a big improvement over recent years.

Jason Claunch, manager of Carlos' n Charlie's , said of the spring rains, "It's really helped a lot. The last couple years Mother Nature hasn't cooperated so it helps to have a good solid year like this."

At Just for Fun , the past Fourth of July weekend produced the most boat rentals the store has seen in more than 20 years, and manager Pete Clark is hoping for more.

"We're expecting a good weekend," Clark said. "It's been fantastic, having the water in the lake makes all the difference in the world."

Swimmers appreciate the higher lake levels, too; it makes for safer swimming in more accessible cover.

"I can swim in Mansfield Cove again, and I don't have to go to Hippy Hollow," laughed Kim Hanford, an ardent