As weather warms, officials encourage safety on waterways
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Over the weekend, the Austin-Travis County EMS conducted three water rescues. One of those people died on the scene, according to ATCEMS.
Lake Travis Fire Rescue said they conduct water rescues in Lake Travis every year. Communications Director Rachel Neutzler said she anticipates water rescue calls to increase as the weather warms.
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“The one thing we see over and over when we do these rescues is people not wearing life jackets,” she said. “If we could stress one thing this summer is for everyone that goes out on Lake Travis, or any of the area lakes is to make sure you have a life jacket.”
Neutzler also encouraged people to designate a “water watcher” – someone sober and dedicated to ensuring people are safe. She said when recreating at Lake Travis, to avoid alcohol when possible, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid diving into the water.
“Lake Travis is really low right now,” Neutzler said. “There are unknown hazards that are below the lake that people can’t see and people may not be familiar with. it’s really important to be as safe as possible if you choose to boat on the lake”
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