Personal Watercraft Ban on Lake Austin for Fourth of July

For enhanced safety Lake Austin will see a ban on Personal Watercraft for the Fourth of July holiday

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Police Department reports that motorized personal watercrafts will be banned on Lake Austin, in an attempt to ensure safety during the July 4th holiday. The city ordinance will commence on Wednesday, July 3 and continue through Friday, July 5. Corporal Jeremy Bowman of the Austin Police Department Lake Patrol Unit stated, “The biggest culprit is jet skis, which is what we will be vigilant for on Lake Austin. With high boat traffic, we aim to maintain safety.”

The Devices under the Ban

The ban also includes wet bikes, motorized surfboards and devices that are steered by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, according to Austin police. Corporal Bowman further explained, “If we encounter a personal watercraft on July 4, we will probably pull them over, speak to them, and explain that the city ordinance prohibits their use today.”

Austin’s Travis County EMS captain, Darren Noak, mentioned that they usually field high call volumes for incidents beyond just fireworks on July 4th. The police department clarifies that non-motorized devices like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are not part of the ban and are permissible on the lake.

Public Reaction

Reacting to this news, Lexi, a regular lake visitor said, “If this measure prevents people from getting hit by jet skis, then it’s likely a good thing.” Austin Police Department believes city ordinance is crucial to ensure the safety of park and lake visitors during Fourth of July. “I was initially taken aback as to why that particular day, when most people would want to be on the water, is chosen for imposing the ban. But considering people’s behaviour, it does makes sense,” Lexi further opined.

Enforcing Safety Laws

The Austin Police Department will patrol the waterway while the ban is in effect and encourages boaters to abide by the Texas Water Safety Act and the city of Austin boating laws and ordinances. Corporal Bowman added, “If we pull you over for any reason, we will be checking for life jackets, your boat’s registration certificate number, and ensuring you have all the things required for boating.”

The personal watercraft ban will be lifted around sunset on Friday, July 5, allowing the resumed use of personal watercraft on Lake Austin.