River Ramble scrambles through Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - At the sound of a blaring horn Sunday morning, the first wave of dozens of paddling racers took off on the sparkling waters of Lady Bird Lake.

 

"We're doing the race to bring attention and awareness to the Colorado River," said Colorado River Foundation Executive Director Erin Franz. "We want to really do something that gets people connected to the river and really celebrates the river."

Part of the first-ever Colorado River Ramble , more than 250 people took part in the canoe and kayak race in Downtown Austin - vying for the prize at the end of either a 5-mile recreational race or 10-mile sport race.

 

Not too far behind, the Austin police skimmed the waters on their patrol boat. The police department was out promoting boat safety during the river race.

"It's very important," said officer Steve Scheurer. "Most people come to the lakes, you know. It's entertaining; they're out for the recreation, just having fun. But a lot of people aren't aware of the dangers."

With spring in full swing and the bright sun warming the air, the outdoor activities are already beginning to break through the indoor, wintertime lull.

"The biggest problem we see out on the lake is people don't have enough life vests, or people choose not to wear them," said Scheurer. "Or they're not familiar with what it feels like to be in the water, and it's usually a panic situation."

The severe two-year drought that produced record-high temperatures seems to be easing up, and the low summer lake levels that shut boat ramps and emerged several islands are a thing of the past. Lake Travis is full once again , after going two years without being at capacity.

That means more people will probably be out on area lakes cooling off through the hot Texas summer.

Safety tips when on the water

• Always have a personal flotation device
• Always have your cell phone in case you need to call 911
• Don't drink and drive in a boat. A BWI is the same as getting a DWI in a vehicle.
• Have water, since the Texas heat can take a toll on the body
• Know the weather conditions. Austin police said they get called out to people who have gotten stuck paddling into a strong breeze.
   

Jazmin Moore, 14, rode in the race with her mother and said safety was top of mind.

"Some people might not be paying attention or they can bump into you not knowing," said Jazmin. "And you can fall out and hurt yourself."

"While we want to get people out there to have a good time, safety should always be the utmost concern on the water," said Franz.

In addition to the Austin Police Department's two patrol boats, there were also lifeguard paramedics on the boats with the officers and two personal watercraft with officers aboard.

The Expedition School also provided lifeguards on standby in case of an emergency.

"Safety is paramount, and we try and emphasize that with the racers and the recreationalists out on Lady Bird Lake," said Kimery Duda, Expedition School founder and executive director. "This is an open river. We tell the racers to be aware and to obviously be sensitive and share the river."

The race kicked off near the Texas Rowing Center , one of the busiest access points to the Colorado River.

The Colorado River is the longest river in the country contained within one state, at more than 900 miles long. It provides drinking water for more than 1 million people living in the Austin area and makes up 75 percent of the irrigation water for area crops.

It is also home to a diverse and unique aquatic ecosystem for thousands of native plants and animals.

The river race joined efforts with the Colorado River Foundation's 2nd Annual Family Clean Water Festival , where more than 600 Austinites were expected to come out for the free, four-hour community event to learn about the Colorado River and water conservation.

Both races Sunday morning benefited the Colorado River Foundation with a spotlight on adaptive paddling and the Wounded Warriors .