Sheriff's Office highlights importance of water safety this summer

AUSTIN, TX – Warm temperatures draw boaters and swimmers to Central Texas lakes.

As summer approaches, the Travis County Sheriff's Office and local boat rental companies are talking about boating safety.

“It's horrible, it's the last thing we want to see. We want everyone who comes out to have a good time, and we hate to see someone's good time turn into tragedy,” Kristen Dark said , spokesperson for the Travis County Sheriff's Office.

In 2023, four missing swimmers were found in Lake Travis. As of 2022, six missing swimmers have been found.

The year before, 10 missing swimmers were found, according to TCSO.

“The main advice I can give you is to make sure you wear a life jacket and you have that flotation device on. We've never picked up anyone from Lake Travis who was wearing a life jacket,” he said. Dark said.

“Everyone under the age of 13, by law, must wear a life jacket at all times while on a boat. This helps keep you afloat in case something happens,” said Collin Cornwell , owner of Big Tex Boat Rentals.

If a swimmer witnesses a possible drowning, the sheriff's office also suggests wearing a life jacket to aid in rescue.

“This lake is up to 200 feet deep in some places, no matter how good a swimmer you are, when an emergency arises you literally have seconds, so it is important to use all safety precautions possible,” Sombre said.

The sheriff's office said it's important to maintain a safe distance, have an audible warning device and know where you are on any lake. This can be determined using mile markers or landmarks.

“It’s also important that you follow other safety precautions, another being not drinking and operating a boat,” Dark said.

“Definitely don't drink or operate a boat. Drinking is strongly prohibited on the lake. It's very humid, so be responsible and drink plenty of water,” Cornwell said.

Cornwell says that over Memorial Day weekend, large groups of boaters spent the day at Lake Travis and Lake Austin.

No drownings were reported by the Austin Police Department or the Travis County Sheriff's Office.