Officials push boating safety on Lake Travis
Posted: Tue, 9 Jun 2026 12:28 PM - 53 Readers
By: KVUE News
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.
