Be LakeWise
Swim safely
Boat responsibly
Downloads
Water safety signs, graphics and more
Be aware
- Lakes are not swimming pools. The bottom of a lake is uneven and sudden drop-offs are common.
- Know the hazards. Watch for buoys, channel markers and objects below the surface of the water, such as debris, trees, rocks and other items.
- Watch out for one another in and around the water. It only takes a second for someone to find themselves in trouble.
Know how to help
Recognize the signs of someone in trouble.
Provide flotation.
Rescue and remove the person from the water without putting yourself in danger.
Provide emergency care and seek medical services, if needed.
Swim safely
- Never swim alone.
- Stay hydrated.
- Know when to call it quits. The distance from one object to another can be misleading.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Swim in designated areas. LCRA Land and Water Use Regulations prohibit swimming within 50 feet of any public boat ramp on the Highland Lakes.
- Know the risks. Swimming in a river or lake always carries a risk of exposure. Unlike swimming pools, natural water bodies are not chlorinated or disinfected. Read more about primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Boat responsibly
- Never boat alone.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Know the rules for boating. Before you visit the lakes, be familiar with the Texas Water Safety Act and LCRA Land and Water Use Regulations. The water safety act includes statewide rules regarding boater education, life jackets and boat operation. The LCRA regulations include limits on boat speed and noise levels on the Highland Lakes.
Buoys and markers
Buoys and markers are water traffic signs offering direction and information. They also help identify dangerous areas and restricted zones.
Mile or channel markers are installed on the main channel of the Colorado River on lakes Buchanan, LBJ and Travis. The river channel is not marked on other Highland Lakes. Mile or channel markers are sequentially numbered starting at the dam and are spaced about a mile apart.
Controlled area
No fishing, no anchoring. There may be water-skiers. Slow down so as to not create a wake.
Boaters keep out!
Written description of danger may be displayed outside the crossed diamond, e.g., dam, water intake, swim area or rapids.
Danger!
Written description of danger may be displayed outside the diamond shape, e.g., rocks, stumps, hazards or shallow areas.
Green “can”-shaped buoy
Facing upstream, these green buoys are on the left of the channel. They have odd numbers and may have a green light on top.
Red “nun’s cap”-shaped buoy
Facing upstream, these red buoys are on the right of the channel. They have even numbers and may have a red light on top.
It is illegal to attach any watercraft to a buoy or marker, or to move, remove, displace, tamper with, damage or destroy any buoy or marker. To report problems with mile or channel markers or buoys, call LCRA Water Surface Management at 800-776-5272, ext. 4783.
Downloads
Digital
For use in email, websites & social media
Social Graphics
Stay hydrated (.zip)
Know when to call it quits (.zip)
Be the life of the party boat (.zip)
Be LakeWise (.zip)
Hidden hazards (.zip)
Never swim alone (.zip)
Never boat alone (.zip)
Wear a life jacket (.zip)
Social Media