| The Austin, Texas area is experiencing a drought that | | | | Carlos 'n Charlies, so you can cool off with a cold |
| has left water levels at Lake Travis dangerously low. | | | | margarita after a day in the sun. Carlos 'n Charlies |
| But that's not enough to keep boaters off the lake. | | | | offers live music many evenings. So the perfect day |
| Lake Travis marinas and boat rental services are | | | | may be hitting the lake in the morning before it gets |
| gearing up for the busiest season of the year. | | | | too hot, then heading over to the restaurant for the |
| But with low lake levels, boaters need to use caution. | | | | evening. |
| Islands that used to be well below the water level are | | | | Another popular boat rental option are boat sharing |
| popping up everywhere. Although these are | | | | clubs, which are gaining in popularity. These can also |
| dangerous, even more dangerous are the islands | | | | be called "fractional ownership" clubs. Many of these |
| lurking just below water level. Boats hitting these could | | | | clubs let you use any available boat, so it gives you a |
| run aground, or worse, flip. Now more than ever it's | | | | variety of boats and sizes to fit your needs. Going out |
| important to where a life jacket while boating on Lake | | | | with a large group? Perhaps a pontoon boat makes |
| Travis. | | | | the most sense. Taking your girlfriend out for a day on |
| Personal water craft are also dangerous when the | | | | the lake? A small speedboat will do the trick. These |
| lake levels are low. They can also run aground or hit | | | | clubs take the hassle out of boat ownership. Not only |
| shallow islands. Always use personal water craft in | | | | do they maintain all of the boats, but they usually put |
| pairs so that you have someone watching out for you. | | | | them in the water for you. No hauling the boat from |
| Lake Austin, which is downstream from Lake Travis, is | | | | your house and launching it in the water. Just show up |
| held at a relatively constant level, so it may be safer. | | | | with your cooler and hop on in. |
| However, Lake Austin is narrow and can be more | | | | Regardless of how you get on the water, remember |
| crowded, which requires boaters to play it safe. | | | | the safety tips. In addition to looking out for islands and |
| Personal water craft are usually banned on Lake | | | | wearing a life jacket, be sure to wear plenty of |
| Austin during holiday weekends such as the Fourth of | | | | sunscreen. The reflective properties of the lake make |
| July. | | | | the sun burn quickly, so apply sunscreen before going |
| If you're looking to rent a boat on Lake Travis, one of | | | | out on the lake and reapply often. Limit your alcohol |
| the more popular boat rental businesses is Just for | | | | intake as it could hasten the onset of dehydration. Of |
| Fun. Located in Hudson Bend off of Ranch Road 620, | | | | course, the driver should definitely limit his alcoholic |
| the boat rental store offers a wide variety of water | | | | intake. Police are busy on Lake Travis, looking for |
| craft rental as well as party boats. It is right next to | | | | people boating under the influence. |