Hidden dangers of Lake Travis: A call for caution this Labor Day

As the evening set in, the sky began to fade into shades of dusk, and the Johnson family was wrapping up a pleasant day on Lake Travis. Their kids were exhausted, having spent the day tubing and swimming. But as they navigated back to their slip in a familiar cove, their boat jolted violently to a stop. A loud, metallic thud was followed by the sound of water slapping against a submerged concrete dock block — a danger they hadn’t seen just a week before.

Unfortunately, this scene is becoming all too common on Lake Travis. With water levels dropping to nearly 40 feet below full pool, the lake’s topography is changing daily. Stumps, rocks and old dock blocks, once safely hidden beneath the surface, are now emerging as unseen hazards. It’s not just about navigating shallow waters anymore; it’s about avoiding obstacles that weren’t even visible a few weeks ago.

Over the past two years, Lake Travis has seen a drastic decline in water levels due to an ongoing severe drought. Currently, the lake is only 47.4% full, and while recent rains have provided a slight reprieve, it’s nowhere near what’s needed to return the lake to its former depth. This reduction in water has exposed submerged dangers that are catching even the most experienced boaters off guard. The situation is so severe that it’s the lowest the lake has been since 2011​.

In another incident just last month, a father who had spent the day wakeboarding with his kids ran aground on what appeared to be a harmless stretch of water. The boat came to a jarring halt, throwing the kids off balance and turning a fun day into a harrowing experience. This part of the lake had always been safe in the past, but with the water level so low, the underwater terrain had shifted dramatically. These stories are not unique; they’re becoming the norm on Lake Travis.

The situation is exacerbated by the lack of awareness and preparation among many boaters. Very few have the necessary equipment like VHFs to contact help if trouble arises, relying solely on cell signals, which can be unreliable in certain coves. I’m shocked at how many boats no longer have electronics such as depth finders showing real-time depth, or even those that provide charts for navigation.

This Labor Day weekend, as we anticipate an influx of visitors to the lake, it’s more important than ever to prioritize safety. The Lower Colorado River Authority has issued warnings, but with water levels as low as they are, the best advice is to slow down, stay in the middle of the channels, and be extra cautious near the shore​.

Lake Travis is a jewel of Central Texas, just 30 minutes from Austin, and it’s no wonder it draws so many visitors. But this year, with conditions as they are, boaters must be more vigilant than ever. Plan your trip with safety in mind: avoid unfamiliar areas and keep your speed down. Save the alcohol until you and your crew are safely ashore at your Labor Day celebration.

Everyone also should make it a point to have an alcohol-free day to ensure safe boating and navigation. In 2023, Texas Parks & Wildlife reported five alcohol-related incidents on lakes and one alcohol- related death .

The allure of a holiday weekend on Lake Travis is strong, but so is the responsibility to keep your loved ones safe. As someone who sees the aftermath of these accidents all too often, I urge you to respect the lake and the unique challenges it presents this year. The water is lower, the dangers are greater, and your vigilance could make all the difference.

Captain Skylar Smith is the owner of TowBoatUS Lake Travis, providing professional on-water towing, battery jumpstart, vessel ungrounding and fuel drop-off services to boaters in need.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Hidden dangers of Lake Travis: A call for caution this Labor Day