Dangerous conditions extend lake ban

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With the water still very cloudy and packed with debris, Lake Austin is closed to boats at this time.

Though there was talk it would be open by noon Friday , the ban for personal watercraft has been extended because the waters are too dangerous to be on.

Officials said the ban for all navigational boating and recreations use is effective until Monday at noon.

"It is being readily enforced, and we're out here to watch out for people's safety," said Austin Police Department Lake Patrol John O'Donnell. "With things being visible in water, and with tree trunks and logs just below the surface, can be a big hazard."

There is also a ban on all commercial boating, with the exception of motorized commercial watercraft 40 feet or longer. It is also limited to Lake Austin between Walsh Boat Landing and the Loop 360 bridge.

An official with the Austin Duck Adventures tour said the city has authorized commercial watercraft to get back on the water by 2 p.m. Friday.

Austin Fire Department officials said they were out surveying levels earlier Friday, conducting them once every 24 hours.

Flood conditions exist in the following:

• Lake Austin
• Lady Bird Lake
• Colorado River below Longhorn Dam
• Barton Creek
• All creeks within the City of Austin

Boaters were already lining up to bring their boats out for a little fun on the water only to be disappointed, though most understand the need for caution.

City officials reminded people that it is considered an offense for those who violate the watercraft restriction order or attempt to cross a barricaded low water crossing.

New Braunfels parks and recreation officials said Friday afternoon both the Guadalupe River and the Coma Rivers will be open this weekend. Rockin' R River Rides will also be open for business.