The warm weather has a lot of people heading to Lakes Travis and Buchanan, so the LCRA is warning swimmers and boaters to be extremely careful. Lake Travis water levels are almost 17 feet below where they should be. The average level is 671 feet; right now Lake Travis is standing at 654.6 feet.
The lower water levels at Lakes Buchanan and Travis mean more shoreline is exposed. Adults and kids who wade way out into deeper water and run into trouble, could be farther away from help. The lake bottoms are also uneven. The sharp drop-offs can leave someone who thinks they're safe suddenly in deep water without warning. The LCRA says everyone who is not a strong swimmer should wear a life jacket at all times.
Boaters need to always be aware of the sand bars that are now sticking up across the lakes. In addition, access to the lakes through a boat ramp at an LCRA park can be difficult.
The Lower Colorado River Authority offers this advice to swimmers and boaters.
Never swim alone. Most drowning victims don’t yell for help; instead, they panic and slip quietly under water. Ask friends and family to keep an eye on one another in and around the water and learn to recognize the signs of someone in trouble.
Always wear a life jacket. These days they come in really cool styles and colors. And they float, even when you don’t.
Know the rules of the road. A boater education class can bring you up to speed on the latest boating laws and rules in Texas. They’re just $13 and about six hours. And they may save you money on boater insurance.
Boat safely. Know where you are on the water and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Know how to read and follow buoy signs.
Drink responsibly and designate a driver for the boat and a safe ride home. Many drowning accidents involve alcohol, which affects your coordination and judgment - even more so when you're boating or swimming. Try to avoid alcohol on the water. If you do drink, do it responsibly. Designate a sober boat operator and keep an eye on those who are drinking. And always drink lots of water to stay hydrated - especially when drinking alcohol.
