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 be in effect from sunset on Friday, May 24, 2024, until sunrise on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, as outlined 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 those using the lake and parks over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. This restriction applies exclusively to Lake Austin.
Police will patrol Lake Austin during this period and encourage users to adhere to the Texas Water Safety Act and City of Austin boating laws. They urge all boaters to practice safe boating and call 9-1-1 for any reckless boat operation or emergencies.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and APD want the public to enjoy the parks and lakes safely during the holiday.
City Ordinance: 8-5-81 WATERCRAFT AND OTHER MOTORIZED CRAFT ON LAKE AUSTIN:
(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 greater than reasonable and prudent under existing circumstances.
Source: 1992 Code Section 14-2-1; Ord. 031009-11; Ord. 031211-11.