Posted: Fri, 25 May 2012 02:29 PM - 17,174 Readers

By: Patrick Beach and Claire Osborn

Central Texas lake-area businesses dependent on customers being in, on or near water want you to know three things heading into Memorial Day weekend: Last summer wasn't as bad as you might have thought, the water levels are up, and this summer is going to be better.

At Shore Club Volente Beach, Rick Redmond, the owner and operator, spent an estimated $800,000 spiffing up the park last year, adding upscale dining, a concert-ready stage, rental lake houses and other attractions.

Despite the drought, he said, "I felt like we had a good year last year."

Redmond said his and other businesses are seeing an increase in corporate events as Austin's relatively sound economy continues to grow.

"I expect to be pretty busy," he said. "The lake's come up about 20 feet. Come on out and enjoy the summer."

"We're in a good mood," said Jodi Allen, general manager of Lakeway Marina, which has 320 slips. "We were really busy for spring break, and I think people are itching to get out."

Allen said the drought didn't affect her business much because the level wasn't at its lowest until after her peak season was over. But marina officials had to extend their dock because of dropping levels, she said.

Lake Travis is 28 feet lower than its May average and 7 feet below its level this time last year, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Still, periodic rains through the winter and spring have resulted in rising levels.

Lake Austin's level is near constant, so drought or no drought, Lake Austin Marina manager Mark Flood is braced for big business.

"We're anticipating huge crowds," Flood said. "There's three big holidays over the summer — Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day — and those are just huge out here."

Flood said his main concern is dangerous waves from all the traffic on the water. His marina is trying to get a wave break installed to make the area safer.

Personal watercraft are banned on Lake Austin this weekend, but they are allowed on Lake Travis. Matt Rinella, the managing partner at Paradise Cove Marina on the south side of Lake Travis, said all of the marina's rental boats, including houseboats, ski boats and pontoon boats, were rented for the entire Memorial Day weekend.

"We expect this to be a top-notch summer," Rinella said. "The water came up, and I think people are ready to come back to the lake."

*  Story Contributed by: Patrick Beach and Claire Osborn