Wake up to the no-wake zones

In an effort to enhance boating safety, City Council approved an ordinance on Feb. 6 creating slow-no wake zones for boats on Lake Austin under and around Pennybacker Bridge and the area north of Tom Miller Dam, near the Walsh Boat Landing and Oyster Landing Marina, according to a news release from the city. “Under this ordinance, boaters must operate at headway speed, meaning that vessels are required to travel at the lowest possible speed needed to maintain control of the craft. These control zones are marked by navigational buoys as well as signage posted at the boat ramps and nearby businesses.” Officers with the Austin Police Department Lake Unit have been educating boaters about the new ordinance, trying to raise awareness “and gain voluntary compliance.” Because of Covid-19, the community education period has been extended until July 14. Following that date, boaters who violate the ordinance may be cited and possibly fined a maximum of $500.