Officials with the Travis County Sheriff's Office are urging boaters to prioritize safety on Lake Travis this summer. With water levels rebounding after years of drought and more boat ramps reopening, deputies expect increased traffic on the lake. They are reminding everyone to follow key safety laws, including ensuring vessels have the proper equipment on board and never operating a boat under the influence of alcohol.
The most critical safety measure highlighted is wearing a properly fitted life jacket. Deputies note they have never recovered a body from Lake Travis of someone who was wearing one. They also advise that if someone falls in distress, rescuers should first secure their own life jacket before jumping in to help—several past incidents involved would-be rescuers drowning after entering the water without one. In emergencies, boaters should call 911 immediately, know their location on the lake, and use horns, whistles, or voices to signal for assistance from nearby boaters.
If your route to the lake crosses Mansfield Dam, build in some extra time. TxDOT crews are working on the RM 620 bridge in front of the dam, repairing expansion joints, upgradin...
Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm election opens Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Registered Travis County voters can use any countywide polling site during...
The first strong cold front of the fall is expected to push through the Austin area early Friday, Oct. 16, and boaters on Lake Travis should plan for rough conditions. According...
