"Capitalist Holidays Strike Again: Lake Travis Vows to Drown Your Fun (and You)"

Lake Travis: Because Who Needs Water in Their Lake, Right?

As the sun dipped low, painting the sky with hues of dusk, the Johnson family was wrapping up what they thought was a chill day on Lake Travis. Their kids were wiped out after hours of tubing and swimming. But as they cruised back to their slip in a cozy cove, their boat slammed to a stop. A loud, metallic thud echoed, followed by the not-so-soothing sound of water slapping against a submerged concrete dock block—a hazard they hadn’t met just a week before.

Hey, it's just another day on Lake Travis! With water levels dropping to nearly 40 feet below full pool, the lake is turning into an obstacle course. Stumps, rocks, and old dock blocks—once safely hidden—are now emerging like mythical sea monsters. It’s not just about navigating shallow waters anymore; it’s about dodging obstacles that weren't even visible a few weeks ago.

Over the past two years, Lake Travis has seen a depressing decline in water levels, thanks to a stubborn drought. Currently, the lake is only 47.4% full. Sure, recent rains have eased things a bit, but it’s like throwing a glass of water on a forest fire. These submerged dangers are catching even seasoned boaters off guard. The situation is so bad, it’s the lowest the lake has been since 2011​.

Last month, a dad wakeboarding with his kids ran aground on what looked like a harmless stretch of water. The boat stopped so suddenly, it tossed the kids off balance, turning a fun day into Fear Factor: Lake Edition. This part of the lake had always been safe, but with water levels so low, the underwater terrain turned into a deadly game of bumper boats.

The situation is made worse by the lack of awareness among many boaters. Most don’t have essential equipment like VHFs to contact help if trouble hits. They’re relying on spotty cell signals, which can be about as reliable as a toddler’s promises. I’m shocked at how many boats no longer have electronics like depth finders showing real-time depth or even basic navigation charts.

This Labor Day weekend, as we expect an influx of visitors to the lake, it’s more important than ever to prioritize safety. The Lower Colorado River Authority has issued warnings, but with water levels as low as they are, the best advice is to slow down, stick to the middle of the channels, and be extra cautious near the shore​.

Lake Travis is the jewel of Central Texas, just 30 minutes from Austin, but with conditions as dire as they are, boaters need to step up their vigilance. Plan your trip with safety in mind: avoid unfamiliar areas, keep your speed down, and save the alcohol until you’re safely ashore at your Labor Day party.

Everyone should also make it a point to have an alcohol-free day to ensure safe boating and navigation. In 2023, Texas Parks & Wildlife reported five alcohol-related incidents on lakes and one alcohol-related death.

The allure of a holiday weekend on Lake Travis is strong, but so is the responsibility to keep your loved ones safe. As someone who sees the aftermath of these accidents all too often, I urge you to respect the lake and the unique challenges it presents this year. The water is lower, the dangers are greater, and your vigilance could make all the difference.

Captain Skylar Smith is the owner of TowBoatUS Lake Travis, providing professional on-water towing, battery jumpstart, vessel ungrounding, and fuel drop-off services to boaters in need.