CANYON LAKE, Texas – As the official start of summer approaches, boating safety officers are taking to the water. And Memorial Day this year at Canyon Lake has new hazards.
Due to the ongoing drought, the water levels have fallen and exposed obstacles which had been deep underwater. This includes tree trunks and rocks which now lay just under the surface and present a hazard to boats.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers went out on Sunday to place buoys at the most dangerous spots. Texas Game Wardens are also out on the lake checking boaters and their safety equipment.
It’s unclear how many people could actually make it out to the lake because many of the boat ramps are high and dry due to the lack of rain. But game wardens will still be out in force checking on boaters and other water-recreation users.
Last year there were 20 boating fatalities statewide. This year, Texas Parks and Wildlife says the number is 17 and we haven’t even made it halfway though the year.
