Posted: Sat, 28 May 2011 12:00 AM - 15,382 Readers

By: Steve Alberts

Stewart Dickson and his family are celebrating Memorial Day early. Friday they spent the day on Lake Travis. They noticed the lake is extremely low for this time of year.
“It's dangerous out there,” he said.
 
Low lake levels are causing concern among boaters. Lake Travis is dropping just under a foot a week, making parts of the lake a danger zone.
 
“Those shallow points that go out several hundred feet; it is hard to see them,” said Craig McMillan.
 
Lake Travis is already 28 feet lower this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year. Islands that are normally submerged are popping up presenting hazards for boaters. Islands are not the only risks. Boaters must watch out for rocks that are just below the surface.
 
“They are still below the level, however, they are substantial enough to rip a bottom off a boat and throw everyone out of it,” said Snyder.
 
For three years Snyder has patrolled Lake Travis. The danger zones are sights he does not like to see. He says most boating accidents happen because people are unfamiliar with the changing lake levels.
 
“They are just not familiar with a lake that drops this fast or the dangers it has,” he said.
 
Snyder says it is important for boaters to be aware of their surroundings -- especially during a holiday weekend.
 
“It's a very unforgiving environment when it's full, much less when it's low like this, and we have these type of hazards out there,” Snyder said. “If you're not really familiar with the lake don't be out here at night.”
 
With their lake time already in, the Dicksons have other Memorial Day plans.
 
“We'll be doing something else while everybody else it out here over the holiday,” Dickson said.
 
Law enforcement will be out in full force this weekend. Remember boating while intoxicated carries the same criminal penalties as driving while intoxicated. Violators will be arrested, go to jail, lose their driver's license, and have a criminal record.

*  Story Contributed by: Steve Alberts