As evening fell, the skies began to fade into twilight, and the Johnson family was winding down a pleasant day on Lake Travis. Their children were exhausted after spending the day tubing and swimming. But as they were returning to their mooring in a familiar cove, their boat lurched to a violent halt. A loud, metallic sound was followed by the sound of water slapping against a submerged concrete block of the dock—a hazard they hadn’t seen a week earlier.
Unfortunately, this sight is all too common on Lake Travis. With water levels dropping to nearly 40 feet below full gauge, the lake’s topography changes daily. Stumps, rocks and old dock blocks that were once safely hidden beneath the surface now appear as invisible hazards. It’s no longer just about navigating shallow waters; it’s about avoiding obstacles that weren’t even visible a few weeks ago.
Over the past two years, Lake Travis’ water levels have dropped dramatically due to a prolonged severe drought. Currently, the lake is only 47.4% full, and while recent rains have provided some slight relief, it is nowhere near enough to return the lake to its former depth. This decline in water has exposed underwater hazards that surprise even the most experienced boaters. The situation is so serious that the lake has reached its lowest level since 2011.
In another incident just last month, a father who had spent the day wakeboarding with his children ran aground on what seemed like an innocuous body of water. The boat came to an abrupt stop, throwing the children off balance and turning a fun day into a terrifying experience. This part of the lake had always been safe in the past, but with the water levels so low, the underwater terrain had changed dramatically. Such stories are not isolated incidents; they are becoming commonplace on Lake Travis.
The situation is made worse by a lack of awareness and preparation among many boaters. Very few have the necessary equipment, such as VHF radios, to call for help in an emergency and rely solely on cell signals, which can be unreliable in certain bays. I am shocked at how many boats no longer have electronics, such as depth finders that show depth in real time, or even those that provide maps for navigation.
As we anticipate a surge in visitors to the lake this Labor Day weekend, it’s more important than ever to make safety a top priority. The Lower Colorado River Authority has issued warnings, but with water levels so low, the best advice is to slow down, stay in the middle of channels, and use extra caution near the shore.
Lake Travis is a Central Texas gem just 30 minutes from Austin, and it’s no wonder it draws so many visitors. But this year, with the current conditions, boaters need to be more vigilant than ever. Plan your trip with safety in mind: avoid unfamiliar areas and drive slowly. Save the booze until you and your crew are safely on land for your Labor Day celebration.
Everyone should also make sure to take 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.
A holiday weekend on Lake Travis is tempting, but so is the responsibility to keep your loved ones safe. As someone who witnesses the consequences of these accidents all too often, I urge you to respect the lake and the unique challenges it presents this year. The water levels are lower, the dangers are greater, and your vigilance could make all the difference.
Captain Skylar Smith is the owner of TowBoatUS Lake Travis and provides professional on-water towing services, battery jump-starting, vessel grounding and onboard fuel delivery to boaters in need.
