Boats banned from debris-filled lakes

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A ban has been issued for all commercial and recreational boats on area lakes until at least noon on Friday after authorities determined that post-Hermine flooding is still making for dangerous flood conditions and debris.

Barricades are in place along boat ramps at Lake Austin. Tree trunks and debris litter the shoreline and the water.

"It will be shut down to all boats, kayaks and any traffic until probably later on this weekend," said officer John O'Donnell with Austin Police Department's Lake Patrol Unit.

KXAN News rode with the lake patrol unit as they assessed conditions on the lake Thursday afternoon.

"Our primary duty today is to recover boats that have come out of resident's boat slips in Lake Austin and get them back to owners. And making sure there is no traffic on the lake," he said.

Officers are actively citing individuals who don't obey the boating ban.

"It is being readily enforced and we're out here to watch out for people's safety. With things being visible in water, and with tree trunks and logs just below the surface, it can be a big hazard with someone in a boat coming on top and throwing them off the boat," he said.

Fire Chief Rhonda Mae Kerr said Thursday that flood conditions still exist in several area lakes, rivers and creeks:

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

It is an offense to violate this order or to attempt a low water crossing of any road that has been barricaded.

Watercraft illegally being operated on waters in the Flood Ban Area may be impounded.

Persons should contact the City of Austin Police Headquarters at 715 E. 8th St. during business hours, to request written authorization to secure property in the Flood Ban Area. Proof of ownership or occupancy is required.