The Austin Police Department has offered to help Lake Austin boat owners, who can provide proof of ownership, locate lost boats and equipment.

Heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Hermine increased water levels on Lake Austin so much so that the Lower Colorado River Authority had to open the floodgates. Floodwaters still managed to destroy and relocate a lot of items, from boats to debris.

Boat Tow is working with APD to identify boat owners, provide dock space and collect anything that might contaminate the water.

"It's a big mess out here — lot of debris out on the lake, lot of gas cans and stuff like that, a couple boats. I'm heading up stream, it's supposed to be a bigger mess out there," Ronnie Hoffman, with Boat Tow, said.

Boating is still banned due to high, swift water and debris in area lakes and rivers. Those waterways include Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, parts of the Colorado River and all creeks in Austin.