Lake Austin visitors face an unwelcome Labor Day restriction
Posted: Fri, 4 Sep 2026 04:26 PM - 42 Readers
By: Cristela Jones
Jet skis and other personal watercraft are banned on Lake Austin this Labor Day weekend. Austin Police Lake Patrol will enforce a city ordinance that also covers wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices. The ban runs from sunset Friday, Sept. 4, to sunrise Tuesday, Sept. 8. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are still allowed. The same holiday ban is used every Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day to keep the crowded lake safer. Boating is still legal; police say follow Texas water-safety rules and Austin ordinances, and call 911 for reckless operation or emergencies.
People who still want a jet ski can use Lake Travis or Lake Walter E. Long. Lake Travis has more open water for longer rides, with rentals at places such as Lakeway Marina. Walter E. Long is a 1,200-acre lake that also allows jet skis when ramps are open.
