With warm, sunny weather predicted in Central Texas on Easter weekend, thousands of Texans will head to LCRA’s parks, the Highland Lakes and the Colorado River to enjoy the holiday outdoors. If you are among them, keep park and water safety in mind.
Easter has become one of the busiest holiday weekends in LCRA parks. Families in particular enjoy the parks on Easter. All of LCRA’s parks that take reservations for tent camping, cabins and RVing were full early in the week, but you can check for cancellations by calling the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-8900. If it is 48 hours before your stay, call the individual park. Find the numbers and more about LCRA parks at www.lcra.org/parks/. Camping in recreation areas where reservations cannot be made is first come, first served. Those areas are expected to be popular this weekend.
LCRA’s boating and safety coordinators warn people to keep an eye on family and friends around the water at all times because accidents can happen quickly. Already this year two drownings have occurred on Lake Travis.
Drowning is sometimes called the silent killer, since the victim can slip quietly under water unnoticed or be mistaken by onlookers as playing around in the water. If you are in or near the water, safety experts say, wear a life jacket at all times and never swim or boat alone.
While the outside temperature is predicted to be in the low 80s, the water temperature of the Highland Lakes will remain cold, around 60 degrees. Take precautions to avoid hypothermia by limiting your time in the water. If you experience shivering, slurred speech, blurred vision, bluish lips and fingernails, get out of the water, dry off and put on warm clothes.
Also, be careful when consuming alcohol while boating. Because of dehydration, glare, the sun’s heat and motion of the boat, the alcohol’s effect is amplified. Designate a sober boat driver. On land in LCRA parks, nonpublic alcohol consumption is allowed, but glass containers are prohibited. In all cases, know your limits and drink responsibly.
For more water safety tips, visit www.nobodyswaterproof.com to help ensure a fun and safe holiday weekend. In case of an emergency, call 911. To help emergency personnel locate you, be sure you know the names of nearby businesses or boat ramps or, if you are in the water, make sure you can identify the nearest mile marker or buoy number.
