Navigating the Highland Lakes, especially Lake Travis, can challenge even the most experienced boat operator. Guiding a boat safely requires preparation, good boat-handling skills and local knowledge of lake and river conditions.

To safely enjoy boating on the Highland Lakes, follow these tips:

• Know the rules. Before you visit the lake, be familiar with the Highland Lakes land and water recreation and safety measures. These rules help promote safe and enjoyable boating and recreation experiences for residents and visitors.
• Take a safe boating class. Learn about navigation, required equipment and state laws for all types of boating. People under 18 are required by state law to take the class before handling a boat on Texas waters. Personal watercraft (PWC), such as Jet Skis, must follow all boating laws in addition to specific rules.
• Learn the lay of the lake. If you’re unfamiliar with the Highland Lakes, take a boat trip or two with someone who knows the lakes and can show you around.
• Know where you are and carry a map onboard. Aerial contour maps of the Highland Lakes produced by LCRA and Mapsco Inc. include many known hazards, a global positioning system (GPS) grid, color infrared aerial photography, and other helpful information. The maps are sold in convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations and other retail businesses, and online directly from Mapsco: Lakes Travis and Marble Falls, Lake LBJ, and Lakes Buchanan and Inks .
• Be aware of changing conditions. The Highland Lakes are not "constant-level lakes." Lake elevations may change daily, creating hazardous boating conditions. Lake levels are lower than average this year because of an ongoing drought. See navigation tips below.
• Watch out for unmarked hazards. Hazards on the lake can change from one day to the next as lake levels rise and fall. Keep a constant lookout for unmarked hazards such as submerged objects and obstructions.

Tips for navigating shallow waters and other hazards

• Water with lighter color often indicates a change in water depth. Lighter color water often indicates shallow water depth.
• Water is usually deeper on the cliff side of lakes. The shallow side usually slopes gradually down to the water.
• The point at which a river turns becomes a shallow area. The inside of a bend in the river is usually shallower than the outside.
• Be aware of shallow areas.
  • V-shaped shallow areas often form downriver of an island or sandbar.
  • Shallow areas may be located at the opening of a cove or inlet.
  • Allow extra clearance between the boat and shoreline around a point of land or the mouth of a cove.

Watch for hazardous areas

• Tree stumps and floating debris are common, especially during and after periods of heavy rainfall or high water.
• Deadheads (also called sinker logs) are a serious hazard. Impact at a high speed with a deadhead can punch a hole in a large boat or destroy a small one. Deadheads are almost impossible to see at night.
• Keep a lookout for debris. Heavy rainfall upstream may move debris into the lake even if it hasn't rained at the lake.