Personal watercraft ban on Lake Austin for Labor Day weekend

The Austin Police Department Parks and Lake Patrol Unit is prohibiting the use and operation of personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards and similar devices on Lake Austin for the holiday weekend.

The ban begins at sunset on September 4 and ends on September 8 at sunrise. Non-motorized devices like kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can still be used.

The annual ban of personal watercraft is necessary to ensure the safety of the large number of people that make use of the lake and parks over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend. This ban only applies to Lake Austin.

Police will be patrolling Lake Austin this weekend and urge people using waterways to follow the Texas Water Safety Act and City of Austin boating laws and ordinances. Police urge all boaters to practice safe boating and to call 911 for all reckless operation of boats or emergencies.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Austin Police Department want the public to enjoy the parks and lakes but urge people to make this a safe holiday. For more information, contact the APD Lake Patrol Unit at 512-329-8841.