The Austin Police Department (APD) Lake Patrol Unit will enforce the City Ordinance prohibiting the use and operation of personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices on Lake Austin. This ban will commence at sunset on Friday, May 24, 2024, and conclude at sunrise on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, as specified in Ordinance 8-5-81. Non-motorized devices such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are still permitted.
The annual ban aims to ensure the safety of individuals using the lake and parks during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This restriction is exclusive to Lake Austin.
Police will patrol Lake Austin throughout the weekend and encourage users to adhere to the Texas Water Safety Act and City of Austin boating laws and ordinances. Authorities urge all boaters to practice safe boating and call 9-1-1 for any reckless operation of boats or emergencies.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Austin Police Department emphasize that while they want the public to enjoy the parks and lakes, safety remains a priority during this holiday period.
City Ordinance: 8-5-81 WATERCRAFT AND OTHER MOTORIZED CRAFT ON LAKE AUSTIN outlines:
(A) A person may not use or possess a jet ski, wet bike, motorized surfboard, or similar device on Lake Austin:
(1) from sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Memorial Day;
(2) from sunset on the Friday before Labor Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Labor Day; or
(3) from sunset on July 3 until sunrise on July 5.
(B) A person operating a motorboat on Lake Austin shall stay on the right side of the lake except when assisting a downed water skier.
(C) A person may not operate a watercraft on Lake Austin at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under existing circumstances.
Source: 1992 Code Section 14-2-1; Ord. 031009-11; Ord. 031211-11.