First lake weekend approaching! 🚤⚠️ Time for your annual safety refresher before busy season.
Texas Boating Law Updates 2026: 📋 PWC operators must be 13+ with safety certificate, life jackets required for children under 13, kill switch requirements on boats under 26 feet, increased DWI enforcement and penalties, mandatory safety equipment inspections.
Life Jacket Reality Check: 🦺 Inspect for tears, rot, or mildew, verify correct size for each passenger, check weight ratings current, test inflatable mechanisms, replace expired CO2 cartridges, faded jackets = weakened materials.
Emergency Equipment Verification: 📱 VHF radio functional and charged, flares within expiration dates, fire extinguisher current and accessible, first aid kit complete and unexpired, throwable flotation device ready, visual distress signals current.
Communication Plan: Always file float plan with someone on shore, establish check-in times, know VHF Channel 16 for emergencies, program lake patrol number in phone, understand weather alert systems.
Lake Travis Specific Dangers: Sudden weather changes, submerged rocks in low water, heavy weekend traffic, alcohol-related incidents, rental boat operators (be defensive!).
Safety Equipment Storage: Climate-controlled storage extends life, organized systems ensure nothing forgotten.
6005 Lohman Ford Rd, Lago Vista!
