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Lake Watch
Initiative designed to help lakefront communities improve safety and quality of life
SPOTLIGHT ON SUNRISE BEACH
Sy Schiffman gets underway for a lake patrol in this 2004 photo.
Volunteers in Sunrise Beach on Lake LBJ have created a citizens boat patrol that operates during the weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While they have no formal authority, volunteers make a difference by providing a visible presence when patrolling the lake in their own boats and flying a boat patrol flag. They distribute safe-boating literature, report unsafe acts to law enforcement agencies, help stranded boaters, and generally just let people know someone is watching.

"It's an aid to keep things safe on the lake," said Sy Schiffman, a retired Coast Guard air rescue employee who founded the Sunrise Beach Lake Watch program in 1999.

Lake Watch Logo Lake Watch is a partnership between citizens, lakefront communities, local governments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies, including LCRA Rangers.

Among the goals:

  • improve safety through public involvement and awareness;
  • reduce crime and inappropriate behavior;
  • improve communication within the community;
  • provide a sense of security for the community; and
  • improve the quality of life in lakefront communities.

Begun by LCRA in the 1980s, Lake Watch today includes a network of many communities along the Highland Lakes.

What can you do as part of Lake Watch?
Citizens involved in Lake Watch become better informed about crime and inappropriate behavior, safety-related issues and suspicious or dangerous activities on waterways. They can report these activities to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Lake Watch participants also can stay better informed about safe boating rules and practices, and many other water-related issues. See safe boating section.

Why should you participate?
Law enforcement officers need your help in watching and reporting unsafe boating and suspicious activities. Participation in this program can provide valuable information to aid in the prevention of death and serious injury from water-related accidents. Your assistance can make the Highland Lakes and surrounding communities safer and more enjoyable.

Other benefits

  • Get to know your neighbors.
  • Improve emergency response times.
  • Help law enforcement understand your concerns.
  • Adopt a buoy! Lakefront residents who have a convenient view of one or more LCRA channel markers or hazard-area buoys may "adopt" a buoy. Residents can call LCRA at 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 7152, when the buoy is off location, its lights are not working or it is otherwise damaged. LCRA will replace or repair the buoy. You can make a difference in helping protect people and property.
  • Residents can help their community become a better place to live.

How does Lake Watch protect you?
Many visitors to the Highland Lakes are unfamiliar with safe-boating and recreational practices. Your help in reporting unsafe actions could save a life or prevent injury. Just as motorists slow down in frequently patrolled areas, watercraft operators are more safety-conscious if they know their violations might be reported by members of the public.

How to organize Lake Watch in your community
Contact LCRA's Stan Rountree at (512) 473-3200, Ext. 7152, or at lakewatch@lcra.org. LCRA staff also are available to speak to lakefront communities about joining the Lake Watch network.